Donald Reed Spears

Dr. Donald Reed Spears, “Reed”, was born on April 27, 1955, in Fayetteville, NC. He was the oldest child of Robert Reedy Spears and Faye McLeroy Spears. He spent a happy childhood on Spears Drive with his siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins nearby. He graduated from high school in Fayetteville and went on to UNC where he quickly became an avid Tar Heel fan. After graduating from UNC undergrad school, he enrolled in the UNC School of Dentistry, where he met his wife, Dr. Donna Bryan Spears. They were married on July 10, 1982, a few weeks after his graduation from Dental School.

Reed practiced dentistry in Oxford from 1982- 2017. He loved learning about new dental procedures and materials. He was quick to sign up to take a dental course anywhere in the US. He and Donna often took their vacations in locations where dental courses were being taught. Reed was a long-time member of the American Dental Association and North Carolina Dental Association. In September of 2015, he was inducted in the Academy of General Dentistry.

Reed enjoyed golf and reading. He loved watching UNC play any sport and held basketball and football tickets for many years. Reed and Donna often followed the Tar Heels when they played on the road.

He was a member of the Oxford United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the Will Hicks Men’s Sunday School Class. Reed also served as an usher. He was a former Jaycee and member of the Granville Mutual Investors Stock Club.

Reed is survived by his wife, Dr. Donna Bryan Spears; his father, Bobby Spears; his sister, Shelia Spears McCaskill (Mike); his brother, Kevin (Pam); his father-in-law, Joe Bryan; his sisters-in-law’s Ann Bryan and Martha Bryan Compton (Penn); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Faye Spears.

Memorials may be made to the Oxford United Methodist Church, www.oxfordmethodist.org, https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZJFG/campaign/C-159FG?access=tile_direct, the American Diabetes Association, and the Alzheimer’s Association.

The service will be held on Wednesday, December 11, at 1:00 PM with a visitation to follow in the church fellowship hall. Reverend Dr. Glenn Stallsmith of Oxford United Methodist Church will be the officiant. All are welcome to join in honoring Reed’s life. 

Gentry-Newell & Vaughan Funeral Home is assisting the Spears family with honor and commitment. Online memorials may be posted at www.gnvfuneralhome.com