MRS. ELNA GRAY SPIRES Elna Gray Spires, 88, beloved wife of William Spires, Jr., of Augusta, Ga., entered into rest May 2, 2009 at University Hospital.

Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5 at First Baptist Church of Evans with Revs. Steven Spencer and Robert Rayner officiating. Interment followed in Belleview Memorial Gardens.

Mrs. Spires was born in Columbia County, the daughter of the late Allie M. Gray, Sr. and Thelma West Gray. She spent most of her life in Evans and retired from the F.W. Woolworth Co., as office manager. A member of First Baptist Church, she faithfully served as clerk for 50 years. She served in all departments of Sunday school and mission organizations. She was a member of the Gleaners Sunday school class, Martinez Easter Star #464, the Woodmen of the World, and the Fellowship Group of St. Luke United Methodist Church. She will be remembered by her love for her Lord, her family, her church, her church family and her friends.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, W.T. Fuller; her son, William "Bill" Fuller; and four brothers, Marion "Buddy" Gray, Marvin "Bo" Gray, Harold D. "Pepper" Gray and Allie M. "Jr." Gray, Jr.

Survivors include her husband, William H. Spires, Jr.; a stepson, Darrell Spires; stepdaughter, Susan Laughmiller; daughter-in-law, Kathy Nelson; brother, John T. Gray; two grandchildren, Brent and Helen Pullen; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were George Gray, Larry Gray, Al Gray, Thad Gray, Roger Gray, and Bruce Gray. Honorary pallbearers were James Fuller, W.C. Fuller, Hugh Fuller, Charles Fuller, Gene Fuller, Allen Fuller, Barry Fuller, and Tony Fuller.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Evans, P.O. Box 159, Evans, Ga. 30809.

Thomas L. King Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.