Source: http://www.raderfuneralhome.com/services.asp?page=odetail&id=689&locid=
John C Spradley
4/29/1925 - 8/9/2010
Honoring the longstanding tradition of the Quiet Birdmen, John C Spradley, Jr., the consummate pilot, flew West at six AM, August 9, 2010. Born April 29, 1925, in Duncan, Oklahoma, John C was preceded in death by his parents, John C Sr. and Flossie Louise Spradley, and brother Stuart B. Spradley.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Johnna Lee McCully Spradley, his son, John C Spradley III, and wife Jeanette of Sugar Land, and daughter Patti Spradley Jahncke and husband Thomas Carter Jahncke of New Orleans. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Elizabeth Lee Jahncke Mead and husband Jason Anthony of New Orleans, Carter Spradley Jahncke Perrilliat and husband William Charles Cole Claiborne III, of New Orleans; and William Parker Spradley of Natick, MA, Benjamin Fletcher Spradley of Houston and a host of dear and valued friends, especially his cherished Lunch Bunch.
After graduating from Longview High School and attending Kilgore College, John C entered the United Stated Naval Air Station at Pensacola, FL, and was later assigned Wing Commander at the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, followed by an assignment aboard the USS Lexington at the San Diego Naval Air Station.
Upon active discharge he entered the University of Kansas, receiving a degree in Industrial Management. While at KU, he played basketball under the iconic coach, Phog Allen. Following his education, John C joined the US Naval Reserves in Dallas, TX, as Squadron Commander of the only United States Reserve unit with nuclear deployment capability. He retired as a Lieutenant Commander. After a brief career as a private pilot, John C was involved with FAA certification and flight testing of new market entries for Aero Commander, Inc. He furthered his career as District Manager, Southwest Region, with the Gates Learjet Corp. While in Houston, he was elected Chairman of the Houston Aviation Advisory Board, followed by his appointment to the elite Quiet Birdman.
Upon retirement from Gates Learjet, John C was selected to be National Director of Marketing for Piaggio Avanti. Again retiring, John C, an original shareholder, returned to Lake Cherokee where he served a six-year term as a second-generation president of the Cherokee Water Corporation and enjoyed a longtime membership in the Cherokee Club. Friends will remember this avid outdoorsman's legendary interest in hunting and fishing. His memberships included: the Ala-Tex Hunt Club, original member; the Tom Harris Hunt Club; and the Cherokee Fishing Club, founder. John C leaves behind a wealth of memories, not the least of which will be his endearing capacity to love and his zest for all aspects of life.
Arrangements are being finalized through Rader Funeral Home of Kilgore. Memorial Services will be held in his honor at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, August 12, 2010 at St. Luke's United Methodist Church of Kilgore with Rev. Darwood Galaway officiating.
Immediately following the service, the family will greet friends in the Life Center of St. Luke's United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the charity of your choice, or to the Laura Jackson Foundation, Post Office Box 351, Longview, TX 75601, or to St. Luke's Methodist General Memorial Fund, 401 E. Main Street, Kilgore, TX 75662, or to Beacon Hospice at Margaret's House, 5016 Gilmer Road, Longview, TX 75604.
Online condolences to www.raderfuneralhome.com.