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Williamsburg Funeral Home
Williamsburg Funeral Home
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01/28/1951 -06/17/2025
Lane, SC
Lane, SC
Funeral Services
Services will be held at 2:30 PM Saturday June 21 at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.
Visitation
Visitation at 1pm to 2 pm with services to follow at 2:30 PM.
Memorials
The family request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either SC Forestry Association, www.scforestry.org, Trout Unlimited, www.tu.org, or Quail Forever at www.quailforever.org.
John Edward Spearman Jr., Colonel, United States Army (Retired), took his last breath in his home of Gourdin, South Carolina on June 17, 2025, after an extended illness.
Services will be held Saturday June 21 at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.
Visitation begins at 1 PM to 2 PM with service to follow at 2:30 PM.
A man of Honor, Colonel Spearman was a man who loved his God, loved his family, and served his Nation and his community.
The oldest son of seven siblings was born on the 28th of January 1951 in Philadelphia, PA to parents John and Dolores Spearman setting high standards for all to follow. Eventually moving to Kingstree, South Carolina then Summerville, South Carolina to graduate from Summerville High School in 1969. He then accepted the full ROTC scholarship to The Citadel, graduating in 1973. He was commissioned as a Regular Army 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry. His distinguished career spanned more than a quarter century in both Active Army and Army Reserves. His awards included the Army Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4th award), Ranger Tab and Expert Infantry Badge. He concluded service to The Nation as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Reserve Affairs for 3rd United States Army in 1999. With retirement he was appointed commander of the American Legion post 8 in Kingstree, SC where his command would span more than 20 years of additional service.
He had a second, equally distinguished career as a farmer of crops and timber on Deer Hill in Gourdin, SC. He proudly earned titles of South Carolina Tree Farmer of the Year for 1999 and Tree Farm of the Year and the entire Southern Region in 2004. He was asked to serve on the National Tree Farm Committee as well as the American Forest Foundations National Woodland Operating Committee and made several effective trips back to Washington, DC to advocate for sustainable forestry, wildland firefighters, and conservation initiatives within The Farm Bill.
He loved travel, fly fishing and golf. He was a scholar of history and political science. He lived as a forceful Colonel and also a quiet mentor as a patient listener, doting husband/father/grandfather, and teacher. He was loved and respected by all, as reflected well in this poem:
“Grief is a river whose course we cannot chart, predict, or even plan for. Sometimes, the currents feel as if they will destroy you, either by dashing you against the rocks of memory and loss or drowning you in the feeling of truly standing alone without the rock of someone who was there every moment of your life. Sometimes you wallow in an eddy and remember everything, from the flights and fancies, to the stolen moments that shine like the sun on a summer’s day. Sunshine on a mountain brook, and a smile and a nod will take you to a place where you can find peace and comfort. The people we leave behind cherish who we are and were. That is the truest legacy and stewardship that we can leave those that we love. Look for him in the wind, the trees, and the ebb and flow of water and memories.”
He was predeceased by both of his parents, and his wife, Mary Rebecca Ligon Spearman, and his two youngest brothers, Thomas Franklin “Tommy” Spearman and Anthony Christopher “Tony” Spearman.
He is survived by his wife May (Faulk) Spearman and his beloved children Edward Vaughan Spearman (Kelly), Caroline Ligon Ferguson (Joseph), Nicolas John (Carrie), Dave Whitaker, April Elizabeth Whitaker and precious grandchildren Meadow Aster Spearman, Phoebe Blythe Pellum, Esme Claire Pellum, Charlotte Evangeline Pellum, Ligon Hope Ferguson, and Julia Louise Ferguson. He also leaves behind his three younger brothers, Robert “Bobby” (Barb) Spearman of Edisto, Dr. James “Jimmy” (Emily) Spearman of Edisto, and Dr. William “Billy” (Starr) Spearman of Beaufort, and sister, Dr. Maridee Spearman (Bill McLaws) of Hendersonville, NC, and many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
The family request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either SC Forestry Association, www.scforestry.org, Trout Unlimited, www.tu.org, or Quail Forever at www.quailforever.org.
Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituary page of our web site, www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.
Services will be held Saturday June 21 at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.
Visitation begins at 1 PM to 2 PM with service to follow at 2:30 PM.
A man of Honor, Colonel Spearman was a man who loved his God, loved his family, and served his Nation and his community.
The oldest son of seven siblings was born on the 28th of January 1951 in Philadelphia, PA to parents John and Dolores Spearman setting high standards for all to follow. Eventually moving to Kingstree, South Carolina then Summerville, South Carolina to graduate from Summerville High School in 1969. He then accepted the full ROTC scholarship to The Citadel, graduating in 1973. He was commissioned as a Regular Army 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry. His distinguished career spanned more than a quarter century in both Active Army and Army Reserves. His awards included the Army Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4th award), Ranger Tab and Expert Infantry Badge. He concluded service to The Nation as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Reserve Affairs for 3rd United States Army in 1999. With retirement he was appointed commander of the American Legion post 8 in Kingstree, SC where his command would span more than 20 years of additional service.
He had a second, equally distinguished career as a farmer of crops and timber on Deer Hill in Gourdin, SC. He proudly earned titles of South Carolina Tree Farmer of the Year for 1999 and Tree Farm of the Year and the entire Southern Region in 2004. He was asked to serve on the National Tree Farm Committee as well as the American Forest Foundations National Woodland Operating Committee and made several effective trips back to Washington, DC to advocate for sustainable forestry, wildland firefighters, and conservation initiatives within The Farm Bill.
He loved travel, fly fishing and golf. He was a scholar of history and political science. He lived as a forceful Colonel and also a quiet mentor as a patient listener, doting husband/father/grandfather, and teacher. He was loved and respected by all, as reflected well in this poem:
“Grief is a river whose course we cannot chart, predict, or even plan for. Sometimes, the currents feel as if they will destroy you, either by dashing you against the rocks of memory and loss or drowning you in the feeling of truly standing alone without the rock of someone who was there every moment of your life. Sometimes you wallow in an eddy and remember everything, from the flights and fancies, to the stolen moments that shine like the sun on a summer’s day. Sunshine on a mountain brook, and a smile and a nod will take you to a place where you can find peace and comfort. The people we leave behind cherish who we are and were. That is the truest legacy and stewardship that we can leave those that we love. Look for him in the wind, the trees, and the ebb and flow of water and memories.”
He was predeceased by both of his parents, and his wife, Mary Rebecca Ligon Spearman, and his two youngest brothers, Thomas Franklin “Tommy” Spearman and Anthony Christopher “Tony” Spearman.
He is survived by his wife May (Faulk) Spearman and his beloved children Edward Vaughan Spearman (Kelly), Caroline Ligon Ferguson (Joseph), Nicolas John (Carrie), Dave Whitaker, April Elizabeth Whitaker and precious grandchildren Meadow Aster Spearman, Phoebe Blythe Pellum, Esme Claire Pellum, Charlotte Evangeline Pellum, Ligon Hope Ferguson, and Julia Louise Ferguson. He also leaves behind his three younger brothers, Robert “Bobby” (Barb) Spearman of Edisto, Dr. James “Jimmy” (Emily) Spearman of Edisto, and Dr. William “Billy” (Starr) Spearman of Beaufort, and sister, Dr. Maridee Spearman (Bill McLaws) of Hendersonville, NC, and many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
The family request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either SC Forestry Association, www.scforestry.org, Trout Unlimited, www.tu.org, or Quail Forever at www.quailforever.org.
Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituary page of our web site, www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.
We are thinking of all of you with love.
Len B. and Claire Hudson Gaskins
A gentleman and a scholar…..
I shall remember him as both…and more!
My love and prayers to all who loved him and were loved by him.
So sorry to hear this about John. My prayers of comfort are with his family during this transition in life. John was a good friend to all who knew him.
So very sorry for the Spearman family.
RIP my fellow classmate and warrior.
A wonderful man and friend. Knew him well through The Citadel and Guards. He will be missed.
I’m sorry to hear about John. I sure hope his family knows that he loved his God and his family. I have known John since we were in high school. I have to say that he was one of the most honorable and friendly people I have ever had the opportunity to know. I will miss him so much.
I am so very sad to hear of John’s passing. I can’t ever remember seeing him without a smile on his face. Even when he was having a tough time himself, he would always project that smile to make others feel good!
My prayers and thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. Very sincerely.
I am saddened by the news and want to express my deepest condolences! John was a great guy throughout high school and college; he was a friend, although we didn’t stay in touch. When I saw the news, I felt a loss of someone I grew up around. A great person, and he and his family are in my prayers and thoughts.
To the Spearman family and friends, you have my deepest respect and condolences. John was such a wonderful man! I will especially miss his big bear hugs when Bruce and I came to visit. To my dear, dear May, John’s wife of 15 years and my best friend of 45 years, I know how much you loved John and how much you will miss him. Savor all the wonderful years and the special life you built together. He’ll be watching and carrying you from above with those strong arms. Love you both.
Rest in peace – You will be missed.
Thanks for your service, to include Commander of American Legion Post 8.
Sympathy and condolences to the family.
I was so sad to read of John’s passing. He and his family were dear friends and he always had a generous heart to me and mine. Heaven is now even brighter. God Bless his family.
My heart is full of love and memories of John and his family. Heaven gained a wonderful soul. I am sure he was greeted with the words: “Well done good and faithful servant.”
Thanks for serving our country so well. You saved our country during the Cold War and stood on the Wall of Freedom.
Sending our deepest sympathy for all the family. Our condolences to May, John’s siblings, children and grandhildren. May you all feel God’s comfort in this difficult time.
I am saddened to hear of my classmate crossing the river. John was much the officer and gentleman and will be truly missed.
Praying for God’s comfort and peace. Much love, Elaine
Jesus touch my friend and her family I pray
So sorry to hear, our condolences to Caroline and Edward and all of the Spearman family 🙏💕thinking of you. George and Betty Mckim
See ya on the other side partner
Rest in Peace John. I enjoyed knowing you and working with you for the benefit of the forests of South Carolina. You and your service will be missed, but fondly remembered.
Sending our deepest sympathy to the entire Spearman family.
Caroline and Edward, after I was commissioned in the U.S. Army, your father became a quiet but steady mentor to me. He made sure I understood what to expect as a young lieutenant heading to my first duty station. His guidance meant a great deal to me — and my mother was especially grateful that he was looking out for me and generously sharing his knowledge during that time.
With heartfelt condolences,
Linda Wilson Harvey, LTC, USA, Retired
Ola Wilson and Family
Words cannot express how very saddened we are to hear of your loss. Our heart goes out to you and your family. We will keep remembering John as the wonderful and kind-hearted man that he was and we will always cherish the memories we have of him. We are holding you and your family close in our thoughts and are sending our deepest love.
Angela and Manfred John, Viola John and Alexander Mössinger
My deepest sympathy and condolences to John’s family and all who had the privilege to call him “Friend”. He loved and cared for the land and conserved his God given natural resources as a trusted steward.
Our most sincere condolences. He was one of a kind. You and your family are in our prayers.
Joe & Debbie Burke
We grew up near the Spearman family. It was a wonderful family and they were great kids and I was lucky to know them.