Spears was born on September 22, 1932, in Athens, Al., the son of the late Claude and Nellie (McCune) Raney. He lived in Athens until joining the Army in 1952. Spears served in Korea and in Germany. In 1959, he moved to Wyandotte, where he worked for Firestone. In 1967, he began working for General Motors until his retirement in 1994. Spears married Margaret LI. Rabourn on September 23, 1967, in Livonia.

He was a lifetime member of The American Legion Post 217 and the Moose Lodge in Garden City. Spears is survived by his wife of 39 years, Margaret, step-sons, Stephen N. Rabourn of Tucson, Ariz., Don G. (Shirley) Rabourn, and Duncan (Hazel) Rabourn of Kalkaska; brothers, Silas (Nellie) Rancy of Louisville, Ky., Paul Raney and Ross (Patricia) Raney of Athen, Al., sister, Mary Ola Schaken of Florida; stepgrandchildren and stepgreat- grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who knew him as Uncle Snooks.

He is preceeded in death by his parents, sister, Douglas Raney Davis; step-son, Charles C. Rabourn; step-daughter-in-law, Ingrad Rabourn; and step-grandson, Stephen F. Rabourn.

Cremation has taken place. Memorials may be given in Spears' memory to the Michigan Parkinson's Foundation, 30161 Southfield Road, Suite #119, Southfield, Mich., 48076.

Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home.