Anderson, SC The Reverend Dr. Benny Dewitt Speares, age 81, husband of Joyce Smith Speares, passed away Saturday, February 14, 2015, at his residence. Born in Anderson, SC, on July 24, 1933, in the Appleton Mill Community, he was the son of the late Robert Benny "R.B." and Edna James Speares. He was a graduate of Boys' High School, where he was chosen for All State in baseball and basketball. After high school, he attended Clemson University, Erskine College, Anderson College, and Tabernacle College. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Tennessee Temple University. While at Clemson on a full scholarship, he played baseball for the Tigers and was ultimately drafted by the Baltimore Orioles. He played four years for the Orioles' minor league organization, earning the title of Minor League Rookie of the Year. He attended Canaan Baptist Church. He was called into the ministry in 1970, and he served at Calvary Baptist Temple and Good Hope Baptist Church in Iva. He was called to Temple Baptist Church in Anderson, where he served for 14 years. In addition to his wife of 62 years, he is survived by his daughters, Donna S. Hanks and her husband Tony of Lexington, SC, and Cathy S. Wells and her husband Buster of Greenwood, SC; 3 grandchildren, Suzanne Hanks, Tony Hanks, II, and Cristin Cooper; and a great-granddaughter, Hayden Cooper. The funeral service will be held in the chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 18, at 3:30 PM with the Reverends Jerry Parnell and Glenn Thomason officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, prior to the service from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. He loved his Savior, wife, and family. We love him and will miss him very much. He's with the Lord. Flowers are optional. Memorials may be made to Canaan Baptist Church, 1834 South Murray Avenue, Anderson, SC 29624. Events Visitation Wednesday, February 18, 2015 1:00PM - 3:00PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343 Funeral Service Wednesday, February 18, 2015 3:30PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343 Final Resting Place Forest Lawn Memorial Park 2609 U. S. Highway 29 North Anderson , SC 29621