BCF family mourns loss of theology student

GRACEVILLE (BCF)—Friends describe the late Hugh Spears as a man of big stature, but more importantly a big heart. Spears had left his home in Pensacola only three and a half years earlier with his wife, Rhonda, and two sons to embark on his educational pursuit at The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) in Graceville when the unexpected happened.

BCF courtesy photo

Hugh Spears enjoys his last few weeks with his family taking photos. Pictured are, from left, James, 7, Hugh, Stephen, 10, and wife Rhonda.

At only 33, Hugh was diagnosed with colon cancer in the fall of 2002. Chemotherapy treatments began immediately, but according to those who knew him, the medication reduced his quality of life so extremely that he later decided to reduce the treatment to half strength. It was then a waiting game for the Spears family.

Hugh and Rhonda completed their coursework at BCF for the spring semester and began to enjoy what would be their last summer together. A return visit to the doctor in late July was more bad news. The cancer was not in remission and Hugh was given only six months to live.

Despite this prognosis, Hugh was determined to move on with life. "He said, ‘I’m going to be healed one way or another,’" recalls Rick Freeman, assistant professor of Old Testament and Hebrew. "Either God would heal him physically, or he would be healed by God taking him to heaven."

While he never stopped fighting the cancer physically, Freeman explains, he didn’t see the alternative as a terrible choice. "From the tone of his voice, I think he considered the latter to be greater than the former."

A dedicated student with a 3.65 grade point average, Hugh and Rhonda both planned to graduate in December of this year, Hugh with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology and Rhonda with an Associate of Divinity degree.

However, after enrolling in fall classes Hugh’s condition began to rapidly deteriorate. Still determined to complete his degree even though he was no longer able to physically attend class to complete the 12-hour course load, he was granted special permission from the college to continue his coursework from home.

Only a few weeks later on Tuesday, September 16, Hugh passed away at his home.

"The life and death of Hugh Spears reminded our campus family of what it means to be family," said Dr. Thomas A. Kinchen, BCF president. "Hugh had a contagious smile and vibrant spirit. When faced with the final decisions about this life he trusted in his Lord and lived out his time with his family."

The Spears family shared their loss with many who knew Hugh. From professors to friends, all describe him as a person who brought life wherever he went. "When he asked me to preach his funeral he told me, ‘I don’t want it to be sad,’" recalls friend and pastor Charles Goldsmith. "Hugh gave me strength in the presence of God when things got tough . . . and when times were smooth he would challenge me," says Goldsmith.

Hugh served with Goldmsith as youth pastor at Logan Road Baptist Church in Ozark, Ala., where he radiated the same paradox of joker and serious scholar. The youth in his group describe him as a "big kid" who was "never sad," but also remember the seriousness he required of them in their studies.

"He didn’t want ‘Sunday School’ answers," said youth group member Angela Sentel. "He wanted you to find it in the Bible . . . explain it . . . and prove it to him."

"If something was wrong with you, he was the first one to notice," remembers Sierra Sentel, twin sister to Angela. "He would bug you until you told him what was going on." "Then, in hard times he always said to put one foot in front of the other," David Goldsmith added. "That’s what we have to do now."

In keeping with Hugh’s philosophy, Rhonda returned to classes at BCF Sept. 25 and plans to graduate as scheduled in December. "Hugh told her to make sure that she graduated," says friend and neighbor Terri Minkler. "They had talked about it for such a long time before his death … about her graduating and moving on with her life." "She is such a strong woman … she will definitely be able to fulfill his wishes."