GRAY — John S. “Johnny” Spear, 53, passed away suddenly at home on Nov. 15, 2011.

Johnny was born in Portland on Sept. 23, 1958, the son of Roy and Jean Spear. He attended Portland schools and graduated from Deering High School in 1977.

One of Johnny’s first loves in life was baseball. He not only loved the game, but excelled in it as well. During a Little League game, he was pitching a no hitter when late in the game, the batter he was facing hit a hard line drive back at him striking Johnny on his pitching arm, chipping a bone in his elbow. He was more disappointed in having to leave the game than being injured. Later he said, that’s the way it goes sometimes, it’s just all part of the game. His lifelong love of baseball included his beloved Boston Red Sox. You could not find a more loyal and supportive fan than Johnny. When the Sox weren’t playing, he would watch whatever ball game that happen to be on at the time — girl’s softball, Little League World Series, it didn’t matter to him. He was a huge Dallas Cowboy fan and looked forward to Sunday afternoons when he would enjoy watching the game while having a few beers with the boys.

Johnny was also an avid deer hunter. His first deer was a beautiful 8-point buck that he fondly referred to as Cruncha. Over the years, Johnny harvested more deer than his brothers Jim and Bob combined.

Johnny was a man of few words, who had a great sense of humor and was very quick witted. He would always greet you with a big smile and gave the best bear hugs. Johnny had a very big heart and was extremely generous to the people he cared about. It’s hard to remember a time that he ever said “no” when asked for help. But, more importantly, he never expected anything in return. He was one of the most unselfish people ever known among the ones who knew him.

Being a skilled carpenter Johnny worked several years in the building trade until he decided it was time for a career change. For many years, he was a truck driver for Sysco in Westbrook. He retired from Hoboken Floors as a truck driver in 2007.

Johnny was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Brittany and Kelsey. When he often spoke of his girls, one could always see the love and pride he held for them. His love and pride did not always come from his words, but from his mannerisms and actions. It was obvious that they certainly had his unconditional love.
Johnny valued family and friendship above anything else. He loved to play and tease not only his girls, but his nieces and nephew. They all loved him so very much. Whenever he would see or talk with his family, he would not say goodbye without telling them he loved them. He had many good friends that he cared deeply about. Johnny enjoyed socializing with his friends and family and was known to share his opinion a time or two. Norman Moreau was one of Johnny’s closest friends, and his family cannot thank Norm enough for everything he has done for them during this very difficult time.

He was predeceased by his father, Roy; brother, Jim; stepfather, Pete Peterson; stepbrother, Billy Peterson; and his uncle.

He is survived by his beloved mother, Jean Peterson of Raymond; daughters, Brittany and Kelsey Spear, both of Windham; his brother, Bob Spear of Gray; sister, Lynne Myhaver of Raymond; stepsisters, Lori Perry and Julie Peterson-Greenburg, both of Falmouth; stepbrother, Jim Peterson of Scarborough; a nephew and two nieces; and an aunt.

A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011, at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road, Windham. Online condolences may be made to www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Johnny’s memory to: The Jimmy Fund, care of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.