July 20, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 127 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session
IN MEMORY OF MAJOR GENERAL STANHOPE S. SPEARS, SR.; Congressional Record Vol. 166, No. 127
(Extensions of Remarks - July 20, 2020)
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[Extensions of Remarks] [Page E652] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN MEMORY OF MAJOR GENERAL STANHOPE S. SPEARS, SR. ______ HON. JOE WILSON of south carolina in the house of representatives Monday, July 20, 2020 Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, the People of South Carolina paid tribute to Major General Stan Spears upon his death. General Spears was respected by his fellow Guard members and trusted by all, as he addressed natural catastrophes endangering families such as hurricanes, ice storms, and tornados. He courageously led the transition of the Guard from domestic service to include successful Guard deployment in the Global War on Terrorism worldwide. It was humbling to serve as his State Staff Judge Advocate where I saw firsthand his devotion for the public. He inspired three of my sons to serve in the National Guard. I include in the Record the below obituary of accolades, which is well deserved. thoughtful Obituary COLUMBIA--Major General Stanhope S. Spears Sr. who served 16 years as the elected 26th Adjutant General of the State of South Carolina from 1995-2011 died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. For his 83 years, he lived an extraordinary life one in which was highlighted by his love of family and humble service to others. General Spears was born in his beloved Clover, SC to the late Joseph J. Spears and Emily Sifford Spears. His fondness for his hometown started early as he always believed his large family, the values of the community and kindness of its citizens collectively raised him to become a well-rounded individual. His drive for success and regimented work ethic started early as he became an Eagle Scout at 13. He attributed the foundation of the Boy Scouts in helping to define and shape his leadership skills. A naturally gifted athlete, he led South Carolina's Shine Bowl All-Star high school team to a 27-7 victory over North Carolina in 1954. He received multiple college scholarship opportunities ultimately deciding on a full scholarship to The University of South Carolina in 1955. As quarterback for the Fighting Gamecocks from 1955 through 1959, Gen. Spears assisted the 1958 squad to a 7-3 record and ranking 15th nationally in the final Associated Press college football poll. General Spears was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and earned a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration Degree a semester early in January 1959. In 1959, after teaching for a short while in Camden, SC, Gen Spears joined the South Carolina Air National Guard and reported to U.S. Air Force Basic Training on Aug 4, 1959. After two years, General Spears switched to the SC Army National Guard and enrolled in Officer's Candidate School in 1961. He was promoted and worked hard on his SC Guard career. Between 1961 and 1994, General Spears focused on his corporate insurance career and family. In 1963 he married Gastonia, NC native Dorothy Parlier. They lived in Charlotte, NC, Shelby, NC, Greensboro, NC and ultimately settled in Columbia, SC in 1966. They added two children to the family along the way with Stan Jr., and Alester. General Spears' polished demeanor and vibrant personality attributed to very successful Executive Vice-President Sales roles in the international companies of Marsh and McLennan and Willis Corroon. His insurance career spanned more than 30 years. It was this career that allowed Gen. Spears, his wife and children to enjoy life and vacation frequently at Edisto Beach, SC. On a business trip to London in 1994, Gen. Spears received a call from MGT. Eston Marchant, the then current SC Adjutant General, encouraging him to run for the Adjutant General position that he was vacating. After much deliberation with his wife and fellow guardsmen, Gen. Spears felt the calling to serve the great State of South Carolina and embarked on his first campaign. With his wife by his side, they campaigned together throughout the state and fully devoted their lives to maintaining the stellar reputation of one of the finest National Guards in the country. Gen. Spears forever thought himself as a Citizen-Soldier and ran his first election as a Democrat, ultimately switching to run as a Republican for his last three elections. His devotion to the State of SC was endless. He always voted for people over party, supported any activities promoting a positive light on SC nationally (he was delighted and supported any SC school in national championships), and worked tirelessly to help in national elections if the outcome would benefit the State of SC and the Guard. He and his son, Stan Jr., headed up the ``Veterans for Bush'' campaign during Bush's 2000 Presidential Campaign. Additionally, he spearheaded the ``Veterans for McCain'' campaign in SC for Sen. John McCain's 2008 Presidential run. During his second and third terms, Gen Spears' troops were heavily involved in the Sept. 11, 2001 response and Global War on Terror. He personally witnessed the attack on the Pentagon from an offside location less than a mile away. He felt a heavy obligation to support all South Carolina servicemen and their families during these stressful times. His ``Mission First-People Always'' approach is still remembered by guardsmen today. As the SC Adjutant General, he served as Head of the Military Department of the state of South Carolina. He administered the affairs of the South Carolina Army and Air National Guard, the Emergency Management Division, the State Guard, Youth Challenge, and Americorp. General Spears received many major awards and decorations during his 51 year service to the National Guard including: Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Defense Meritorious Medal, State Longevity Ribbon, Safety Ribbon, Retired Medal, Secretary of Defense Medal and Secretary of the Army Medal. Additionally, he served on the Citadel Board of Visitors for 16 years and received a Citadel Honorary Degree for his dedication. General Spears was also awarded The Order of the Palmetto, the State of SC's highest civilian honor award, in 1988 by Gov. Carroll Campbell. Upon retiring, General Spears was able to focus more on many activities near and dear to his heart. As a lover of the great outdoors, he turned his attention to gardening, hunting, and bird watching from his porch at Edisto. He always promoted and kept up on activities associated with the Guard. His love of college football, specifically the Gamecocks, never waned. However, his greatest passion was spending time with his family, spending time at Edisto or traveling the world with his wife and family. Gen. Spears' family appreciates all the kindness of friends along that way and the wonderful care he received at Wildewood Downs, from his doctors and through Abby Road Hospice. Gen. Spears is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dorothy (Dot) Parlier Spears of Columbia; his son, Alester Spears and Phillip Pettis of Charleston, SC; his grandson, Stanhope S. (Ford) Spears III of Columbia, SC; his nephew, Derek Spears (Missy) of Charlotte, NC and niece, Suzanne Spears Wilson (Scott) of Traverse City, MI. He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Emily Spears, his son, Stanhope S. Spears, Jr., and his brother and sister- in-law, Joseph J. Spears and Marie Spears. ____________________