Alfred Spears
Age - 78
November 14, 2023
Alfred "Bryant" Spears, 78, passed away at his home in Davie on November 12, 2023. Bryant was born in Coral Gables, Florida to Alfred E. and Dorothy Bryant Spears on December 26, 1944. He met the love of his life, Carol Ann Graber, when they were five years old. He asked her to marry him at their senior prom, and they began their married life 58 years ago on April 11, 1965 in North Miami, Florida. They joyfully had two children together: a daughter, Tracy Lynne, then a son, Michael Bryant. Bryant began his career as a bagboy for Publix (after a brief time as an airplane mechanic) and went on to hold many positions within the company. He retired as a District Manager after 50 years and made many treasured friendships along the way. While performing his job successfully, he had the opportunity to serve as a mentor to innumerable young people growing in their own careers. This mentorship often led beyond the job where he influenced their personal lives as well. Bryant also worked tirelessly for many philanthropic organizations that Publix supported including United Way. Bryant was a man of God who followed Jesus' command to feed His sheep by feeding the hungry. He and Carol devoted years of their lives to the Feed My Sheep food ministry. Bryant loved his men's prayer group and volunteering in many other capacities with the church including the finance committee, pumpkin patch ministry, and rolling up his sleeves to jump in and help in other areas where he saw a need. Bryant was a man who could fix anything and loved anything with an engine. He had a pilot's license, enjoyed boating, and had years of pleasure restoring his classic car. Fishing was a big love. In his retirement years, at the invitation of his co-father-in-law Art, he joined several bowling groups and relished in his newfound friendships. Bryant is preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Dorothy, his beloved son-in-law Erik Hauri, and brother-in-law Jim Vohsen. Bryant is survived by wife Carol Ann Graber Spears, daughter Tracy Spears Hauri, son Michael (Patricia Carol), sister Lynne Spears Vohsen, grandchildren: Kevin, Megan (Nicholas Rico fiance), Matthew, Michaela and Hope, brother-in-law S. David Graber (Arlene), and many beloved nieces and nephews. Of all the roles Bryant held in his life, his most cherished was that of grandpa to Kevin, Megan, Matthew, Michaela, and Hope. He was dubbed "Papa Duck" by Megan at age 2, and got quite a kick of that still being called that by the kids almost 30 years later. Bryant attended every swimming match, dance recital or graduation that he could. He taught every grandchild to fish and looked at them through a lens of perfection. His influence on each of them was immeasurable. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Monday, November 20, 2023 at Community Church of Davie, 6500 SW 47th Street, Davie, FL 33314. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Bread of Life Food Pantry at the church. (Checks should be made out to Community Church of Davie, with memo stating "Bryant Spears-food ministry". )Show more
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
