Hugh "Jake" Spires

Hugh J. ‘Jake’ Spires, United States Army, Ret., 86, of Abbeville, SC, husband of Barbara Wells Spires, died Monday, January 22, 2018, at Linley Park Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Anderson, SC.  He was born in Lincolnton, GA to the late Harry C. Spires, Sr. and Ellaree Little Spires.

Mr. Spires retired as First Sargent from the United States Army, 82nd Airborne Division.  He fought in the Korean War, served three tours of duty in Vietnam, and was stationed in Germany during the Berlin Wall build-up on Sunday, February 13, 1961.  As a result of injuries, Mr. Spires was awarded the Purple Heart medal and in recognition of his heroic and meritorious service, he received a Bronze Star and Army Commendation medal.

Following his military career, he was an ROTC instructor and taught History at Chamberlain High School in Tampa, FL.  Mr. Spires also owned and operated Spires Land Moving business, specializing in the grading and building of golf course communities in Florida.  He was a very versatile individual.  Mr. Spires was fondly known as “Dr. Doolittle”, because of his love for animals and their love for him. He also enjoyed building, woodworking, and gardening.  Mr. Spires shared his produce with everyone and was a generous man who had a zeal for helping others.  He was a member of Northside Baptist Church, Greenwood, SC, National Rifle Association and the Disabled American Veterans.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ray C. Spires and two sisters, Frances Spires Burris and Catherine Spires Nelson.

Mr. Spires is survived by his wife, Barbara, of 24 years of the home; two daughters, Kathy Spires Brennan of Port Charlotte, FL and Susan Spires Morera of Tampa, FL; stepsons, Carlton Staples (Jenny) of Tucker, GA and Gabe Staples of Atlanta, GA; step-daughter, Nancy McKelley of Greenwood, SC; brother, Harry C. ‘Junior’ Spires, Jr. of Lowndesville, SC; two sisters, Mildred Maxine Spires Ralph of Anderson, SC and Marjoree Spires Powell of Lowndesville, SC; three grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and countless nieces and nephews.  Especially close to his heart were a niece and nephew, Cleve and Helen Hill.  Mr. Spires also cherished Nick and Alisha Marshall and their children for their loving care and concern.

The family will receive friends from 2:00PM – 3:00PM, Sunday, January 28, 2018 at Harris Funeral Home.  Funeral services will begin at 3:30PM in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Scotty Willoughby officiating.  Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Mr. Spires, may be sent to the Disabled American Veterans, 6437 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209.

The family is at the home.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Spires family.

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