Aubrey Spear III

Aubrey VanBuren Spear, III, (Trip), passed away peacefully on December 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Trip was born on December 10, 1974, to Van and Molly Sheahan Spear. Growing up with a deep sense of community, service, and family values, Trip shaped the lives of those around him. He attended the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), University of Memphis and was a proud Eagle Scout.

Throughout his life, Trip remained dedicated to serving others. He was active in organizations such as Boys and Girls Club of Memphis, Phoenix Club of Memphis, Carnival Memphis, and Ducks Unlimited. Whether coaching his children’s sports teams, helping with Boy Scouts or providing Angel Tree gifts for families in need, Trip was always generous with his time and talents. His kindness and zest for life left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. His love for the outdoors and his passion for hunting and shing paled in comparison to his love for spending time with family at Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and the family farm in Cottage Grove, Tennessee.

Trip was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Elaine Herbert Spear; his children, Watson Riling Spear and Molly Piper Spear; his parents, Van and Julie Willingham Spear; his sisters, Megan S. Pete (Bill) and Julia S. Collins (Dan); his parents in-law, Paul and Linda L. Herbert; his sisters-inlaw, Samantha J. Herbert and Angela H. Lee (JJ); his beloved dogs, Marble and Chelsea; and many extended family members and friends.

The Spear family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the incredible caregivers and transplant team at Methodist University Hospital, as well as to Trip’s Guardian Angel, Angela Herbert Lee. They also offer their deepest appreciation to the Belz family for their unwavering support throughout his 23-year career with Belz Enterprises.

A celebration of Trip’s life will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 1:00 PM CT at Calvary Episcopal Church, 102 N 2nd Street, Memphis, Tennessee. In lieu of _owers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Memphis, Methodist University Transplant Clinic, or a charity of choice.

Trip’s family, friends, and all who knew him will miss his infectious spirit, his generosity, and his boundless love for those he held dear. His legacy of kindness and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.