Peter Benjamin "Ben" Speares

Peter Benjamin “Ben” Speares Affectionately known as “The Mayor of Oak Grove” Lexington, South Carolina. Peter Benjamin Speares, known lovingly as “Ben,” passed away peacefully in Lexington, South Carolina, surrounded by family. Born in Fort Jackson and raised in Lexington, Ben lived a life of faith, generosity, and deep connection to his community — a man who truly never met a stranger. Ben was a gentle soul with a welcoming smile and a heart full of compassion. Known by many as the “Mayor of Oak Grove,” he was always ready with a wave, a story, or a helping hand.
His garage door was rarely closed, symbolizing the open- hearted way he lived — always ready to host neighbors, share a laugh, offer words of comfort or encouragement, cut your grass, cook you a meal, or plant something in your yard just because it brought you joy.

He found profound joy in growing things — anything that could take root and flourish. His yard was always meticulous, a reflection of the care and pride he put into everything he touched. Ben was a self- taught jack of all trades who could fix, build, or grow just about anything. His hands were steady, his heart generous, and his work always done with intention and love.
 

Ben was one of the hardest workers most ever knew. He held a profound respect for the ability to work — and he never worked halfway. For Ben, it was all the way or no way at all. He served honorably for 13 years as a Non-Commissioned Officer with the 122nd Engineers of the South Carolina Army National Guard. As a Heavy Equipment Operator, he achieved numerous qualifications of excellence and proudly completed a mission overseas. Ben brought that same level of commitment, precision, and integrity to every role he held in civilian life. Ben served as a Regional Manager for nearly 35 years at A-Oak Farms, where he fostered his love of all things plants and built what became his second family. After his time at A-Oak, he continued his career with Space Metal, and most recently, found joy in what he called his "retirement job" at Baptist Hospital
— where he quickly found yet another family. A family who stood beside him up to his very last breath.

Ben’s family will always be eternally grateful for the incredible providers and nurses in the Interventional Radiology departments at both Baptist and Richland Hospitals — especially Jane (Girlfriend #1), Avora (also Girlfriend #1), and Maddie — whose compassion, care, and presence meant
the world. Deepest thanks also go to the amazing team at the South Carolina Oncology Associates, who cared for Ben with extraordinary kindness and dignity.
Ben’s strength and character were grounded in a personal and enduring faith, a foundation laid early in life by his mother and father, and lovingly nurtured most Sundays while “going to church with Grandmother.” His tattered Bible, worn with use and full of handwritten notes, served as a reflection of his daily commitment to grow, learn, and be a little better than the day before.

He was also a devout Clemson Tigers fan, through and through. While Tiger football held a special place in his heart, Ben’s enthusiasm didn’t stop there — whether it was baseball, gymnastics, or anything in between, you could hear him cheering with pride. One of the highlights of his life was receiving a heartfelt personal message from Coach Dabo Swinney himself — a gesture that deeply moved Ben and spoke to the loyalty and joy he carried for his team.

Ben is survived by his beloved wife and the love of his life, Debra Jean Speares, his “Honey” with whom he shared 34 wonderful years of marriage and a deep and enduring bond. He is also survived by his cherished children, sons, Joshua “Josh” Hayden Speares of Lexington and Jacob “Jake” Emanual Speares, and Jacob’s wife Ansley, along with their soon-to-be-born son, Rhett Emanual Speares
Ben is lovingly remembered by his mother, Margaret "Maggie" King Miller (Tim). 

He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Emanual Speares, Jr. (Evelyn), as well as by his loving maternal grandparents, John and Betsy King of Anderson, South Carolina. He was devoted to and shared an incredibly special bond with his paternal grandmother, Frances Boggs Speares of Irmo, South Carolina, who survives him; his grandfather, Joe Emanual Speares, Sr., preceded him in death. 

Ben’s siblings include JoLynn "JoJo" Speares Hinz (Ty); nieces, Maggie, Kathryn "Kat"; and nephew, Anderson; Daniel Scott Speares (Olivia); nieces, Bailey and Reese; Jennifer "Jenna" Speares Lehman (T); nephew, Crew; and niece, Coop; Aimee Speares Sanders (Alan); nieces, Gracie and Aleigh Jo “AJ”; Allison "Ally Cat" Speares Kimberling (Bill); nieces, Maddie Collins and Meghan. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Joseph "Josh" Speares. 

Ben shared an especially close bond with his siblings — their connection was a constant source of joy, strength, and laughter. Ben also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Sherry Lee Morrison (Richard); and nephews, J.R. and Trevor. He is fondly remembered by his mother-in-law, Pamela Jean Lloyd. His father-in-law, Gary Lee Lloyd, preceded him in death. Ben had a deep love for the many Lexington and Oak Grove kids he embraced as family — including Alex Weathersby, Addison Corley, Tanner Lindler, Ethan Lawson; and many others whose lives he touched with his warmth, humor, and kindness.

Ben was also known for his extraordinary love of animals. Throughout his life, he cared for and adored many beloved companions: Lucky, Chip, JES, Nick, Mini, Max, Roscoe, Scooby, Tootsie and about 75, 000 fish— each of them held a special place in his heart.

A celebration of Ben’s life will be held 6:00 pm on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Barr-Price Funeral Home in 609 Northwood Rd. Lexington, SC 29072. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm prior to the service at the funeral home and at Ben’s home immediately following the services. Feel free to stop over for a bite to eat, share a memory, and enjoy a laugh — just as Ben would have wanted. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends and loved ones plant a tree in Ben’s honor — a living tribute to his passion for watching things grow. May these trees serve as lasting symbols of his joy, his faith, and the roots he helped plant in the hearts of so many. Though Ben is no longer with us in body, his spirit endures — in the rustling of the leaves, in the laughter of family, friends and neighbors, and in the roar of a Saturday crowd at Death Valley. Go Tigers!

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