Thomas B. Spears

On Tuesday, April 10, 2018, Thomas B. Spears, Jr. “Tom” of New Boston, Ohio passed away at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, KY Born on May 11, 1937 in New Boston to Thomas and Audrey (Goddard) Spears, Sr., Tom was a devoted and loving husband, brother, papaw, son, and an incredible father He was a 1955 graduate of Glenwood High School, a 1983 graduate of Ohio University, and spent 27 years working for Cyclops/Detroit Steel before entering his true calling as an educator and mentor He retired from the Portsmouth City School District after 30 years of teaching and changing lives He was also a Master Mason and Past Master of the Scottish Rite.

His greatest love and joy was his family and the memories that were made with them The oldest of seven, he was married to Suzi Thacker Spears for 41 years and raised eight children His happiest moments were spent with the people he loved He was an avid storyteller and would happily share memories of his brothers, parents, kids, wife, and time spent in the mill He believed in treating everyone on the square and in kindness He lived by his character and his values of working hard, caring for those you love, and treating others fairly and with compassion.

After retiring he enjoyed spending time on the porch at his home in New Boston talking to those that came by and enjoying the breeze that came down the holler or long rides that often included a milk shake or ice cream cone There will never be another like him and he will be profoundly missed.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Suzi; parents, Tom and Audrey Spears; brothers, Gary, Ron, Mike, and Jack Spears; sister, Nancy Spears; and grandson, Gabe Throckmorton He is survived by his eight children, Cyndee (Mike) Hazelbaker of Portsmouth, Mark (Debbie) Spears of New Boston, Jeff Spears of Columbus, Jill Noel of South Webster, Jack Spears of South Webster, Amy (Steve Cucore) Caid of Atlanta, Abby Spears of Portsmouth, and Patrick Spears of New Boston; brother, Jerry (Pam) Spears of Lucasville; his grandchildren, Rachel, Tyler, Elizabeth, Joey, Alyx, Blake, Morgan, Madison, and Jordyn; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many others.

Funeral services for Tom will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018 at D.W. SWICK-NELSON FUNERAL HOME in New Boston with Pastor Donnie McKenzie officiating Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Franklin Furnace Friends may call from 6 - 8 p.m. on Friday with a Masonic service at 8:00 p.m., and one hour prior to the service on Saturday Online condolences may be shared at www.DWSwickNelsonFuneralHome.com.