Fuquay-Varina - Rober McKinley “Papa” Spainhour, 92, died at home on Sunday, September 30, 2012 surrounded by his family following a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, October 3, at 11 a.m. at the Fuquay-Varina Baptist Church, 301 N. Woodrow St., Fuquay-Varina. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens on NC 55 North of Fuquay-Varina.

He was born in Stokes County and moved to Buies Creek at a young age with his family. He served in the US Army during World War II and moved to the Fuquay-Varina area following his discharge where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a tobacco farmer and later built a career as an expert carpenter. During his career he built many homes and completed many remodels for his family, friends, neighbors and strangers, many of whom would become lifelong friends. He worked hard until his health prevented him from working in his early eighties. He lived a life that set an example of how everyone should live in order to make this country a better place.

He was preceded in death by his wife of seventy years, Fannie Belle “Granny” Spainhour in April of this year as well as his parents, Bill and Anna Spainhour; a brother, Allen Spainhour and a sister, Ruby Matthews.

He is survived by sons, Mack and wife Kelly of Holly Springs, Tony and wife Wendy of Holly Springs and daughter, Lucille Haddock and husband Chris of Fuquay-Varina; sister, Dorothy Holland of Angier; sister-in-law, Ausilee Spainhour of Mamers; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren also survive.

Family received friends on Tuesday, October 2, at Thomas Funeral Home, 401 N. Ennis Street, Fuquay-Varina and other times at his residence.

Donations in his honor may be made to United Hospice, 301 S. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or the Fuquay-Varina Baptist Church, 301 N. Woodrow Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.

The family would like to thank the staff of United Hospice and also his caregiver of several years, Natalie Daniels for their devotion and service. They would also like to thank members of the Holly Springs Fire Department and EMS for the numerous times they have responded to his calls for assistance.

Arrangements by Thomas Funeral, Fuquay-Varina. Online condolences may be made at www.thomasfuneral.com