Harvey L. Spears

Harvey L. Spears, 87, of Eustis, died Friday, February 14, 2013. A native Floridian, he was born in Darlington to Johney and Daizzy Spears. Harvey is survived by Hazel, his wife of 67 years, and their 4 children, Harvey L Spears, Jr., of Monticello, FL, Betty Miller and Helen Cordle, of Eustis, FL , and Rita Vereen, of Cape Cod, MA; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Harvey served 4½ years in the US Navy and was a decorated veteran of World War II. After his discharge, he returned to Eustis and began a career in construction and development. Harvey built the first luxury rental apartments in Eustis in 1969, and the first true condominiums in Mt. Dora and the surrounding area. He was a general contractor of residential and commercial buildings, including development and construction of the Eustis Chamber of Commerce building along with numerous other single and multi-story commercial buildings throughout Lake and other counties.

Harvey was a charter member of the Lake County Home Builders Association; chairman of the Executive Committee of the Republican party; advisor to the governor on the motion picture and TV industry; a member of the Lake-Sumter Community College Board of Trustees; a member of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the special appointments board for Governor Bob Martinez; Region 9 treasurer of Bush for President; campaign treasurer for Anna Cowin for Florida Senate; and a lifetime member of the Elks Club, the Rotary Club, and the AMVETS Post 1992.

Viewing hours are from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, February 17, at Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, 1617 S Bay St., Eustis. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, February 18, at Grand Island Baptist Church, 13229 County Road 44. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Cornerstone Hospice Foundation Inc, 2445 Lane Park RD, Tavares, FL 32778-9915 are requested. Online guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis.