Gary Randall Spears

Gary Randall Spears, age 61 of New Edinburg went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 10, 2021. Gary was born on October 16, 1959 to Carroll and Patsy Kee Spears. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Frank and Alma Owens Spears and maternal grandparents Oscar and Peggy Harris Kee.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Melody Howsen Spears; three sons Josh and Erika Gonzalez Spears of New Edinburg, Blake and Amber Reep Spears of Warren; Jared and Amber Green Spears of Kingsland; parents Carroll and Patsy Kee Spears of New Edinburg; one sister Connie McClellan and spouse Major McClellan of New Edinburg; six grandchildren Nathan and Ryan Spears of New Edinburg, Emma and Payson Spears of Warren, and Natalie and Bailey Spears of Kingsland. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Gary was a member of Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church of New Edinburg. Gary was a business man, farmer and most proud of serving as Cleveland County Judge for 14 years. He began his term January 1, 2007. He was the longest serving county judge for Cleveland County. Over the years, Judge Spears served his county with distinction and honor. He served with the Association of County Judges in different capacities. He received numerous awards and honors. Gary’s other passion was farming which awarded him and his family as 2019 Farm Family of the Year for Cleveland County, which he was extremely proud of.
Visitation will be 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm Thursday at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Thursday at Benton Funeral Home with Rev. Ware Russell officiating. Burial will follow at McCoy Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ray Bryant, TJ Bryant, Tommy Green, Jeff Childress, Robert Chambers, and Delfino Gonzalez. Honorary pallbearers will be Cleveland County Road Department and Cleveland County Quorum Court members. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Gideon’s International, New Edinburg Community Center, P.O. Box 23, New Edinburg, AR 71660, McCoy Cemetery P.O. Box 4, New Edinburg, AR 71660, or Mt. Lebanon Church, 550 Bryant Spur, New Edinburg, AR 71660. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net