Edwin Ray Spear passed peacefully on March 3, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. He was 94 years old. Ed, or Ray as he was known to his parents and siblings, was born on October 7, 1929 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to George and Catherine Spear. He grew up with his two brothers and three sisters during the Great Depression and World War II. He spent time riding his bike and playing softball with his brother Richard and friends, reading books in quiet places, hunting pheasants, and learning about auto mechanics from his father. He served in the Navy on active duty from 1948 to 1949, then joined the Air Force during the Korean War and served as an airplane engine mechanic and crew chief with the Strategic Air Command. He graduated from South Dakota State University in 1959 with a degree in Industrial Engineering then worked for Motorola until he retired in 1996.
After a brief, whirlwind romance, Ed married his wife Georgia Dodge on August 20, 1965. They lived in Tempe then moved to Mesa in 1979, where Ed lived the rest of his life in the house that he designed. He enjoyed reading, jogging, road trips with Georgia and his children, and his dog Pete. Ed is survived by his wife, Georgia, their four children Robert Spear (Julie), David Spear (Carla), Rachelle Thornton (Neal), and Jennifer Shumway (Doug), and fifteen grandchildren. Services for Ed arranged by Bunker Family Funerals will take place on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mesa East Stake Center at 2228 East Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona. There will be a viewing at 10:00 am and a graveside service at the Mesa Cemetery immediately after the funeral.
For those unable to attend services, they will be lived streamed : https://zoom.us/j/93990165610
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Rest in peace Ed, we will all miss you!
Love
Dave and Cheryl
So many memories of uncle Ed and aunt Georgia when we were growing up what a good example of a man. love you all
Rest in peace uncle Ray you’re home in Heaven now my ❤️ is with you Love Patricia
Love your parents – your dad always had a smile on his face… sending hugs
Sure do love those Spears. Ed was rock-solid. He’ll be sorely missed.
My family and I love our friends and neighbors, the Spears. I always loved seeing Ed and Georgia sitting together at Church. Ed was always kind to me, and I will miss him!
Georgia I’m so sorry for your loss. You are a dear friend who I have known my whole life and you have my love
Georgia, I am so sorry for your loss. It’s hard to bury the person you love most.
My love and prayers to you, Georgia. You’re a dear, lifelong friend. ❤️
Have so many fantastic memories of Uncle Ed and Aunt Georgia . Uncle Ed will be greatly Missed. Aunt Georgia and family we love you.
Georgia we understand and feel so sorry for your loss. We understand from reading his obituary that you have had a wonderful marriage, which deserves a big congratulation. We love you, Dean & Janet, Davis.
Love the Spears and what a beautiful service today. It was like coming home for us. We will miss Ed and his humor and mild manner. Mark and Jean Whitney
Georgia, Camille and I give our love and condolences to you. I have fond memories of our school days and growing up in Pleasant Grove. May God shower His greatest love and tender mercies on you and your family.
What a beautiful service today for a favorite family. I know you will miss Ed, Georgia and family. A giant gentle man for sure. We surely the Spear family.