Perry Lee Spires, Jr.

Perry Lee Spires, Jr., 94, of Newberry, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. He was predeceased in death by his wife of 62 years, Norma Jean Drischler Spires.

Born on September 7, 1930, in Cayce, South Carolina, Perry was the son of the late Perry L. Spires, Sr. and Lindy Wise Spires. In the 1930's the family resided at the Styx Fish Hatchery where his father was a game warden and head of operations for the fish hatchery. After the death of Perry's father in 1940, the family moved to their farm in South Congaree where Perry resided with his two brothers, two sisters and four cousins. (Deceased: Ben Spires, Edith Spires Romine, Hazel Spires Sturkie, Jim Spires, Leroy Spires, Wesley Spires, Lewis Spires and Sarah Spires Padgett).

In 1947, Perry moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to seek work in the field of residential construction.  Perry had a tremendous work ethic and eventually became self-employed as a home framing contractor. He returned to South Carolina in the early sixties where he continued his work in the industry.  In the late seventies, he began his business as a custom home builder. For over 65 years Perry took great pride in building quality homes all over the Midlands until he fully retired at the age of 87.  Many of his clients over the years became lifelong friends which spoke volumes about the quality of his work and his personal character.

Perry enjoyed music of all kinds. As a young man, he enjoyed singing with his sister Hazel and brother Jim at Congaree Baptist Church. He played guitar and mandolin and sometimes performed with his brother Jim at different events. Southern Gospel music was a favorite,  but country and rock 'n roll were also enjoyed. He passed his love for music on to his two sons and spent many evenings listening to the music performed by their bands.  He found great pleasure in being around all the talented musicians and they enjoyed his presence as well.  For a short time, Perry spent weekends at the drag strip where he would compete and often win many of his events.  Perry was passionate about fishing for striped bass on Lake Murray.  After a hard day's work, you could often find him trolling with multiple rods right up until dark. That love for chasing fish has been passed down to his children and grandchildren.

Perry's stories and sense of humor will be lovingly remembered by family and lifelong friends. For those who called him "Dad" and "Papa, " we will forever remember his repeated demonstrations of how to light his 100-year-old kerosene lamp and hear his recounting of how he did homework by lamplight. Perry also started the family tradition of train tracks under the Christmas tree.  Regardless of his age or theirs, he would faithfully get down on the floor with grandchildren and great-grandchildren to ensure that they knew how to keep the train cars on the track. His assistance was as much for his enjoyment as it was for theirs.

If Perry had one more day on this earth, he would be planning another family reunion.  He loved the memories made when families joined together to talk about the good old days.  One of his most prized possessions is a Birthday Picture Book that was presented to him by one of his great-nieces.  This past year, he would sit for hours looking at the photos of all the family members who attended his 93rd birthday extravaganza. Family was everything to him.  Perry is survived by his daughter, Cath Teter (Chris); his sons, Dale Spires (Sonya) and Doug Spires (Ginger), step-son, Byron Barnhart and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Perry enjoyed the simple things in life the most and understood the value of an honest day's work. He enjoyed helping people, especially during difficult times in their lives. The family has requested no flowers, and for those who wish to honor Perry in some way, please donate to a charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2025, in the Chapel of Temples-Halloran Funeral Home, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, South Carolina, 29212. For those wishing to participate in a final viewing, please enter the chapel at 1:30.  The Celebration of Life, led by Reverend David Spires, will begin at 2 p.m. The casket will be closed before the family joins the service. The family will receive friends in the chapel immediately following the service.