Robert Jay Spearman, Jr.

Bob, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully after a rich and full life on July 24, 2025. Born on December 23, 1933, in Central, South Carolina, he was the son of Robert Jay Spearman and Dessaree Rampey Spearman.

Bob grew up in Central but seeking adventure, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1951. On September 2, 1955, he married the love of his life, Maxine Elrod Spearman and shortly after enrolled at Clemson College to earn a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

He began his career with Hughes Aircraft in Los Angeles, California, and continued working with the company in Goldsboro, NC; Myrtle Beach, SC; and Panama City, FL. In 1967, he accepted a position with Union Carbide/Kemet in Simpsonville, SC, where he worked until his retirement in 1991. Bob and Maxine spent their retirement years on the shores of Lake Keowee in Seneca, South Carolina, thoroughly enjoying lake life with family and friends. They also served faithfully in their church, Dickson Memorial Methodist Church in Townville, South Carolina.

A smart, skilled and dedicated engineer, Bob was equally known for his devotion to his wife and family. He was a caring and supportive father to three strong daughters: Sharron, Susan, and Cathy. Bob and Maxine created a joyful home, full of laughter, adventure, and cherished traditions. From spontaneous road trips to Florida, to summer days on the lake or beach, he treasured every moment spent with his family. One memory often recalled is the day he lovingly described his wife and daughters on the beach as "sparkling like diamonds in the sun."

Bob’s warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love for his family and friends leave a legacy that will endure through generations, and to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Bob is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Maxine Elrod Spearman, and their daughters: Sharron Dillard (Toby), Susan Henderson (Jimmy), and Cathy Reaves (Arthur).

He was a proud “Bubba” to Chris Dillard, Cortney (Jason) Cook, Lauren (Andrew) Stoddard, Kellyn (Jordan) Finlay, Morgan (Will) Ferguson, and Chance (Cheryl) Bridwell. “Bubba” is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Hayleigh, Sydney, and Sophia Cook; Carlyn and Blakely Stoddard; and Jonah, Russell, and Davis Finlay.

Funeral service will be held Monday, July 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home. Burial with Navy Funeral Honors will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Central, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home.

Our family will carry forward his deep commitment to adventure, love, and joyful living. Though he will be deeply missed, his spirit lives on in every laugh, every story shared, and every family.

Cheers to you, Daddy. We will miss you dearly.

In lieu of flowers, we would like to request memorials for Meals on Wheels, 15 Oregon Street, Greenville, SC 29605 or at https://mealsonwheelsgreenville.org/.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.