Gail Dean Spake, 73, of Inman died Friday, April 24, 2015 at his home after an extended illness. Born in Green Creek, N.C. and longtime native of Spartanburg, he was a son of the late James Landrum and Eula McMurray Spake. He was the husband of Joyce Loftis Spake, a 1960 graduate of Spartanburg High School and a graduate of Spartanburg Junior College.

After working at Hammond Brown Jennings for over 30 years, he retired from Michelin Tire after 15 years of service. He was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church in Green Creek, N.C. where he was also a member of the Esther Sunday School. He was formerly a member of Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church in Spartanburg. A member of St. John’s Masonic Lodge in Spartanburg, raised 10-23-1979, he was also a member of York Rite (Spartanburg Commandry) and Tallulah Eastern Star.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Deanne Spake Blackwelder (Rev. Joe Blackwelder) of Kingstree, and Cindy Spake Hall (Roger Hall) of Inman; two sisters, Mary Spake Jolley of Chesnee and Lillian Spake Gosnell of Spartanburg; a sister in law, Margaret Wall Spake of Spartanburg; five grandchildren, Rev. Josh Blackwelder (Alli) of Florence, Matthew Blackwelder (Brittany) of Inman, Sam Blackwelder of Kingstree, Cody and Casey Hall of Inman. In addition to his parents, he was preceeded in death by a brother, James “Top” Spake, and two brothers in law, William “Shorty” Jolley and Jessie James Gosnell.

Funeral services with Masonic Rites will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 27 at New Hope United Methodist Church in Green Creek, N.C. conducted by Rev. Jody Campbell, Rev. Josh Blackwelder, and Rev. Joe Blackwelder. Interment will be private.

The family is at the home and will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. Monday at New Hope United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hope United Methodist Church, 4251 Chesnee Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28239; Gentiva Hospice, 15 Brendan Way Suite 100, Greenville, SC 29615; or GHS Cancer Institute, Office of Philanthropy and Partnership for Research, 300 E. McBee Ave. Suite 503, Greenville, SC 29601-2842.

Seawright Funeral Home and Crematory
www.seawright-funeralhome.com