Harold Edward Spears, Jr. USN

Harold “Hal” E. Spears Jr. aged 76, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2024, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda, Maryland. First child to Harold E. Spears Sr and Beryl Spears, he was born in Oakland, CA on May 12, 1947.   He grew up in Southern California with his three brothers, Arthur, Paul, and Keith.  He was the epitome of hard work, dedication, and devotion in his professional and personal life. 

A 1965 graduate of San Bernardino High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October of 1966 as an Electronics Technician. Graduating from the University of Washington, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering and was commissioned in March 1977. As a Surface Warfare Officer, he rose to the rank of Captain. While teaching Naval Science at Prairie View A&M University of Texas, he earned a Master of Business Administration in May 1983.  Because of his respect and regard for the Navy Chief Petty Officer ranks, he was officially named “Honorary Chief Petty Officer” by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, John Hagen in 1996.

Hal retired from the U. S. Navy in September of 2003 after nearly 37 years of service. True to being a man who could not sit idle for too long, he spent a year as an elementary/middle school bus driver in Pennsylvania.  In 2006, he returned to the work force as an Acquisition Specialist at the Defense Logistics Agency, Philadelphia, PA for 12 years. Retiring in February 2018. 

Hal was married to Cassandra Spears for 33 years. Together they shared four children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  Hal’s favorite role was that of a grandfather.  He treasured the time with his grandchildren and loved being their “Papa”. He never missed an opportunity to spoil them with love and gifts, imparting bits of wisdom and knowledge for them to carry throughout their lives.

In his spare time, he loved to barbeque, golf, attend church, and travel with his wife Cassandra and family.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Landover, Maryland under the leadership of Pastor John K. Jenkins.

During the holidays he could be found joyfully frying turkeys for the annual Thanksgiving dinners he hosted with his wife. It was not uncommon for him to fry seven to eight turkeys for family and friends old and new. He could meet someone that day and gifted them a turkey. 

An avid golfer for over 50 years, he enjoyed his membership with Tee 2 Green Golf club in Maryland.  He was a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, INC. 

There were no strangers in his life; they were just friends he had not met yet.  He touched everyone he met with his smile and genuine warmth while making a positive and lasting impact.  Guests at the Spears home were never guests for long. As soon as he made your first plate, he would say “you are now part of the family” and treated them as such. 

Hal was preceded in death by both of his parents, Harold E. Spears Sr. and Beryl Spears. His brothers Paul and Keith Spears. Cherishing his memory is his devoted wife, Cassandra Spears; daughter, Meredith Spears; three sons, Matthew, Marcus (Nikki) and Harold III(Allison)Spears; three grandchildren, Liesa (Antione)Newman, Jacob Spears, Halli Spears; two Great-grandchildren, Elliana Newman and Genesis Newman; one brother, Arthur (Debbie)Spears and a loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.