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Obits
Submitted by Vivian Moon
December 6, 2003 Journal News, Hamilton, Ohio George Virgil ‘Pappy’ Spears George Virgil “Pappy” Spears, age 87, of Hamilton, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2003, at Mercy Franciscan at Schroder. Mr. Spears was born on June 14, 1916 in Rock Castle County, Kentucky, the son of William and Mina Gatliff Spiers. He lived in Hamilton since his boyhood, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific during WWII. In 1978, Pappy retired from the Champion paper company after 41 years of service. Pappy is survived by a daughter, Darlene Dasch; three sons, Bill Spears and wife Inge, George Spears and wife Sue, and John Spears and wife Dana. He leaves 12 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wives, Helen Spears, and Edrie Naomi Spears; three grandchildren, Diane Dasch, Thomas Dasch and James Spears; a half brother, William Spiers. Pappy had a remarkable record of service to the sports community in the Hamilton and Butler County area. For many years he played baseball and fast-pitch softball, and remained active in the Hamilton sports scene and community long after his playing days. Many softball fans in Hamilton think of him as Mr. Softball. Pappy managed state fast pitch championship teams in 1955, 1960, 1965, 1966, 1971, 1985 and 1987. For 35 years, he served as ASA County Softball Commissioner, three years as ASA District Softball Commissioner, five years as State Softball Hall of Fame Director, and 13 years as Co-chairman of the Butler County Softball Hall of Fame. Pappy was a member of the American Softball Association (ASA) for 65 years. In 1992, he received the Ray Garrett Sportsmanship Award. Pappy was a member of the following organizations: Monkeys Mutual Aid Society, Amvets, Champion Service Association Board, Champion CEAA Board, CHACO Credit Union Board, State Softball Hall of Fame (Charter Member), Butler County Softball Hall of Fame (Charter Member), and the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame. The family would like to thank Dr. Richard Zettler, his nurse Ann, the staff of Vitas Hospice, and Schroder Manor, for their care and concern. Services will be conducted at 2PM Monday in the Zettler Funeral Home, 2646 Pleasant Ave., with Pastor Mark Wurzelbacher officiating, followed by burial in Hickory Flats Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-4 PM Sunday in the funeral home. |