Oliver Earl Spell, 93, of Nacogdoches died Tuesday, April 9, 2013. Born June 21, 1919, Earl was a native and former resident of Beaumont. He had also formerly lived in Tyler.
Mr. Spell graduated from Beaumont’s French High School and attended Centenary College on a football scholarship. He later attended Lamar University and the University of Texas, receiving his degree in Applied Mathematics. He had a long, successful career with Bethlehem Steel, helping develop some of the first US offshore drilling platforms and ultimately retiring as a manager from Bethlehem’s Singapore Ship Yard. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving his country during World War II.
Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Spell was also deeply devoted to service in the body of Christ as a teacher, preacher, elder and ministry director in Beaumont, Singapore, and Tyler. His passion for God’s word inspired him to participate in several evangelistic mission trips to Australia and Canada.
His survivors include his sons, Walter Earl Spell and wife Bonnie of Center, Texas, and Jeryl Edd “J” Spell and wife Pam of Tyler, Texas; sister, Mae Kennedy of Beaumont; brother, Martin Spell of Garland; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Madge Elizabeth Petree Spell, in 2004; parents, Oliver Claude and Esther Rose (Gaskin) Spell; twin sister, Merle Mott; and brothers, Horace Spell, Bo Spell, and Ben Spell.
Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine St. in Beaumont, with Bill Sherrill officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of T.A. Lane & Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches. Online memories and condolences may be offered at www.CasonMonk-Metcalf.com.
