Jimmie Norman Spear, age 86, passed peacefully from this life on December 20, 2018 in Fayetteville, Tennessee. Born June 10, 1932, in New Caney, Texas, he was the son of the late Jesse Lloyd and Iva Mae Gassett Spear. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Nell Spear: several siblings; and infant grandson, Shawn Preston.

As a teenager, Jimmie wrote and recorded country music under the Freedom Records label with his band, “Jimmie Spear and the Bluebonnet Boys.” Earning a degree from Colorado State University in 1963 led him into a new career — first, as a U.S. Forest Service ranger in New Mexico and, later, as a park ranger with the Corp of Engineers in Tennessee. Before retiring, he helped develop an extensive system of trails for the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. He was also a woodworker and an accomplished wildlife artist.

Survivors include wife, Dee Spear; daughter, Cynthia Carol Stewart (Ron); son, Alan David Spear (Marcy); granddaughters, Jana Rogers (Mac) and Karen “Cate” Queener (David); and great-grandchildren, Knox Rogers, Elijah Rogers, Anna Queener, and Joseph Queener.

Private burial services are scheduled for Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetary in Cookeville, Tennessee. Higgins Funeral Home in Fayetteville, Tennessee is honored to serve the family of Mr. Jimmie Norman Spear.