William Fred Spears, Jr., age 77 of Malvern, died Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, after a brief illness.  He was born on September 22, 1945, in Malvern to the late William Fred Spears, Sr. and Beulah Pearl Jones Spears.  Reared and educated in Malvern, he graduated from Malvern High School in the class of 1963.  Fred was a surveyor by trade, and during his 40+ year career, had been assistant resident engineer for ARDOT.  He was a man of God and was a loving and teaching father to his two boys.  Fred was the husband of Patricia Eason Spears, to whom he was married on September 1, 1967, at Third Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Pat; his sons, Fred Spears, III, and his wife, Tasha of Benton, and Neal Spears of Malvern; by a sister, Elizabeth Spears Henderson of Malvern; by three grandchildren, Katy, Savannah Beth, and Emma Grace.

Fred was also preceded in death by an infant sister, Martha.

Visitation will be at J.A. Funk Funeral Home on Wednesday afternoon, June 21, 2023, beginning at 2:00, immediately followed by a graveside service at Oak Ridge Cemetery, beginning at 3:00.  Brother Wesley Howard and Dr. Tom Strike will officiate the service.

Pallbearers are Gary Berry, Steve Hankins, David Penny, Paxton Penny, Fred Spears, III, and Neal Spears.

Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Ray Bollen, Joe Lingo, Shawn Pierce, and Randall Hohrine.

Memorials are requested to Third Baptist Church, Malvern, or the American Cancer Society.