Fred Tildun Spires, Sr., 70, of Fitzgerald, died Saturday, August 25, 2012 at Phoebe Dorminy Medical Center in Fitzgerald.
Memorial services will be held at 7 P.M., Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at Fellowship Baptist Church with the Rev. Robert Couey officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Monday evening at the funeral home.
Mr. Spires was born September 13, 1941 in Ben Hill County to Madeline Murphy Spires and the late Fred Samuel Spires. He was a 1959 graduate of Fitzgerald High School. He was retired Master Sergeant with 21 years service in the United States Marine Corps. While in the Marines, Mr. Spires obtained his bachelor’s degree in education from Chapman College in Orange, California. He returned to Fitzgerald in 1983 and did his post-graduate work at Valdosta State College. Mr. Spires retired from Fitzgerald High School in 2001, where he taught social studies and science. He also served as an assistant principal and as vocational coordinator at FHS. He loved making jelly and fruitcakes and enjoyed gardening, landscaping, and woodworking.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years: Pat Spires of Fitzgerald; son and daughter-in-law: Fred T. Spires, Jr. & Brenda of Douglas; daughter: Beth Spires of Moultrie; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his mother: Madeline M. Spires of Fitzgerald; a sister: Evelain & Charles Halley of Americus; a brother: Edward & Pat Spires of Baudette, Minnesota as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother: Robert Lee Spires, who was killed in Vietnam.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials in lieu of flowers may send them to Blue-Gray Community Hospice, P.O. Box 1447, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or to the American Cancer Society, Ben Hill County Relay for Life, c/o Marci Cleghorn, 599 Ten Mile Road, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.