Thomas C. Spires
October 19, 2020
Date of Service: October 25, 2020
Interment Location: Southview Section
Thomas Carl Spires entered heaven on October 19, 2020 at Estelle’s Hospice House of Marion County following a brief illness. During his last days he was surrounded by family and close friends. Tommy was a devoted man of God, a family man, and a pillar of the community. His memories will forever be etched in the community and the town of Lake Butler. He was a dedicated member of First Christian Church of Lake Butler, Union County Quarterback Club, Gator Boosters, Lake Butler Rotary, and a proud member of the Blue House Gang; He was also a consistent donor of Milligan University, University of Florida, UF Campus House Ministry, Doe River Gorge Ministries, and the Ashes to Glory Foundation. Tommy owned and operated Spires IGA Supermarket for over 30 years, where his legacy lives on through the customers, workers and family who run it. He entered retirement in the year of 2010 where he passed “Spires” into the hands of his son, Michael Spires.
Tommy Spires was born in Gainesville, Florida on November 17, 1943 of mother, Willie Mae Dampier Spires and father, Fernie Lois Spires. He survived by his daughter, Shelly Spires Starling and husband Rick; son, Michael Spires and wife Sharlene; daughter, Sara Spires Owen and husband Ken; 11 grandchildren, Zachary Starling, Amanda Spires Simmons and husband Luke, Christopher Starling, Trey Owen, Georgie Spires, Madeline Spires, Sara Owen Maughon and husband Michael, Matthew Starling and wife Anna, Andrew Starling, Amy Owen, and Timothy Spires; sister, Lila Spires Mader and husband Bob, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years Nancy Hendrix Spires; parents, Willie Mae Dampier Spires and Fernie Lois Spires; brother, F.L. Spires Jr.
The viewing and memorial service will be held outdoors in the field directly behind First Christian Church of Lake Butler. Viewing is held for the public between 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 22 and the memorial service will be 10:30 A.M. on Friday, October 23. Following the services in Florida, he will be laid to rest beside his dear wife in Happy Valley Cemetery on October 25. The memorial services will be conducted by Tommy’s dear friend, Art Peterson and his preacher, Shane Collins; and the graveside service led by a longtime family friend, Robert Allen. The active pallbearers will be Zachary Starling, Christopher Starling, Trey Owen, Matthew Starling, Andrew Starling, Joey Mader, and Joshua Mader.
In lieu of flowers donation can be made to: Doe River Gorge Ministries.
220 Doe River Gorge Road, Hampton, TN 37658
Arrangements have been entrusted to Archer Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
