Spears, Sr., Donald– of Knoxville, departed this life on September 16, 2011 at Fort Sanders Regional. Preceded in death by his brother, William Stripling and aunt, Lucille Stephens. Survivors to include: wife, Patricia Spears; children: Michelle, Brian and Donald Spears, Jr.; grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister, Brenda (John B.) Nichols; and other relatives to include a devoted sister-in-law, Shirley Bruton and a devoted nephew, Eric Crawford. Thursday, September 22, 2011, the family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow in the Unity Mortuary Chapel. Reverend Robert W. Monroe officiating. On Friday, September 23, 2011, interment will be at 11:30 a.m. at the Tennessee Veterans’ Cemetery, John Sevier Highway.