Mr. John Ray Spears, 78, of 89 Spears Circle, Hartwell, died Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at Brown Memorial Convalescent Center in Royston.

Born on November 22, 1933 in Franklin County, he was the son of the late H.C. and Elizabeth Davis Spears.He was a member of the Mount Olivet Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Mary Cordell Spears of the home; two daughters: Elaine Parascandola and her husband Lou, of Enoree, SC, Melanie Dickerson and her husband, Kenny of Hartwell; one son: Gary Ray Spears of Trion, GA; two brothers: Jimmy Spears and Jerry Spears, both of Hartwell; and six sisters:Carlene King, Shirly McCurley, Wilma Stocks and Ann Roedler, all of Hartwell, Jane Huffman of Douglasville, and Gail Foster of Flowery Branch; Five grandchildren:Kristina Shannon, Sam Shannon, Jake Shannon, Caleb Dickerson, and Abigail Dickerson; and three great-grandchildren: Katelyn Chandler, Matthew Chandler, and Kyler Shannon.Mr. Spears was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Sue Crews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 13, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Fred Greenway, Rev. Andy McCorkle officiating.Burial will follow in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park.

The body is at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell where the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 12, 2012.The family is at the home. In lieu of flowers, special memorials can be made to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 2973 Mt. Olivet Road, Hartwell, GA30643 or to the American Diabetes Association, Greenville-Spartanburg NC-SC office, 16-A Brozzini Court, Greenville, SC29615.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.On-line condolences can be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.