Melvin John Spires

Melvin John "Buddy" Spires, 96, of 1518 Arapahoe Trail, Edenton, NC, died Saturday, May 23, 2015 at his home where he was surrounded by his family. Mr. Spires was born December 30, 1918 in Norfolk, VA and was the son of the late George Henry and Josie Vera White Spires. The retired owner and operator of Spires Oil Company in South Norfolk, he was a member of Bandon Chapel Church, Unanimity Masonic Lodge #7, Elizabeth City Chapter #44, The Order of the Eastern Star, and was a former member of The Chowan Golf & Country Club. Living an active retirement square dancing, playing golf, cards, and board games with friends, he loved life and lived it to the fullest, always doing more for others than for himself. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Tribble Spires; his sister, Emma Celia Etheridge; his brother, James Wilbur Spires; and his son-in-law, Marvin "Pete" Ratcliffe. Surviving are his wife, care-giver, and loving companion, Audrey Black Spires; his daughter, Gale Spires Ratcliffe of Princeton, WV; and two sons, John Carl Spires of Newport News, VA and Ira Lee Schultz and wife Carol of Chula Vista, CA. Also surviving are Audrey's children, Deborah Black Goodman and husband Clarence of Edenton, Brenda Black of Elizabethtown, KY, Bobby Black and wife Shelly of Fulda, IN, and Wally Lee Black of Elizabethtown. Together "Buddy" and Audrey shared 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton. Masonic Rites will be accorded in the chapel, and a private burial will follow in Beaver Hill Cemetery. Friends may join the family Monday from 7 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home, again in the funeral home immediately following the chapel service, or all other times at the residence. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Vidant Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 8125, Greenville, NC 27835. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.