Sam was born on March 27, 1937 in Mancelona, the son of Leslie Sr. and Vivian Iletta Mae (Stratton) Spires.

Sam was a lifelong resident of Mancelona and was employed by Dura Automotive for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping and hunting.

On Aug. 23, 1958 in Davison, he married Helen Harris who survives. Also surviving are four children, Deborah (James) Meeker, Connie (Ronald) Windish, Jeffery (Patricia) Spires, Shelly (Charlie) Cox all of Mancelona; seven grandchildren; one great grandchild; two brothers, Leslie Jr. "Lucky" (Elaine) Spires of Alden, Rick Sr. (Jane) Spires of Alden; seven sisters, Zila (Thomas) Healey of East Jordan, Martina Sutter of Mancelona, Gertrude (Kenneth) Westcott of Mancelona, Edna (Norman) Lanning of Mancelona, Sheryl (David) Miller of Mancelona, Bonnie (Jay) Wildfong of Mancelona and Jeanne (Eric) Hoogerhyde of Mancelona and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 28, 2008 at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Rev. Gerald Cook officiated. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Please sign our online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com