Dr. Larry W. Spradley
Dr. Larry W. Spradley, 86, of Beaumont, died at home surrounded by his loving family on October 19, 2024. He was born on April 9, 1938, to Ennis and Zelda Spradley, in Port Arthur, Texas. Larry will be remembered as a United Methodist Minister and an active member of Kairos Prison Ministry. He was a beloved professor at Lamar University where he impacted countless students’ lives. He sponsored Students for Free Enterprise, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and was a faculty advisor for Lamar University Athletics. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Most importantly, he was the glue of his family and led by example with unconditional love, and faith in God. Nothing brought him more joy than to be surrounded by his family, especially his late wife with whom he is now reunited.
Survivors include his children, Cynthia Condie of Beaumont; David Spradley, Sr. and his wife, Brenda, of Vidor; and Camille Farris and her husband, Sheb, of Frisco; grandchildren, Andrew Condie, David Spradley, Jr., Natalie Holmes, Zac Condie, Mary Jannise, Libby Eischen and Merrick Farris; and great-grandchildren, Joan, Jack, Gabriel, John, Selah, Ellis, June, Cal, Atlas and Charlie.
Dr. Spradley is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lillie Spradley; and sister, Katy DiMayo.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6055 South Loop East, Houston, Texas 77087, or to Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 5247, Beaumont, Texas 77726.
A memorial service for Dr. Spradley will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont, with a reception to follow in the Nita McKnight Parlor. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

Video
Memorial Service
Trinity United Methodist Church
- 3430, Harrison Ave, Beaumont, TX, 77706,
- October 26, 2024
- 10:00 am
Reception
Nita McKnight Parlor of Trinity United Methodist Church
- 3430, Harrison Ave, Beaumont, TX, 77706,
- October 26, 2024
I met Dr Spradley in the Spring of 1996 while a student at Lamar University Beaumont. One thing I will always remember is how much he truly cared for his students. He would always tell us to schedule an appointment during Office Hours in the Galloway Business Building so if there was anything I didn’t understand he would explain. I will never forget I scheduled an office visit and after he attempted to re-explain the Statistics lesson he finally told me “Mr Morse, I am sorry but I think you need to just pull your head out of your A ! – because your not a stupid guy !! – I remember leaving and how upset I was that a Professor would say something like that but it was something that I NEVER forgot — as I got older I would hear his voice and what little did I know that what he said often encouraged me when I thought I wasn’t smart enough to get through something. Rest In Peace Dr. Spradley — Heaven Gained another Good Man — until we meet again.
I’m so sorry he was a awesome man. Prayers to the family ❤️
Dr. Spradley was an excellent statistics teacher and was so personable. I am so sorry for the family’s tremendous loss. Prayers for all.
Peace to the family during this difficult time. I am so thankful to have known such a kind man.
My heart goes out to you all.. May he rest in peace.. we now have two angels above looking down. On us all..
Larry was a great friend and colleague. He was the first, and one of the few, to receive the prestigious “Regent’s Professor” title at Lamar University, but he was one of the most down to earth and real people I have ever known. His faith was well evident and we know that he is spending eternity with the Lord Jesus. He will be missed.
One of the few professors that I remember vividly on how he kept the stat course interesting and applied many life examples of. Thank you and may, you rest in peace.
A great man, his father was my principal at Terrell Elementary years ago. Kathy was a friend. God bless the entire family.
So sorry to hear of Dr. Spradley’s passing. His stat classes were more than just classes on numbers and formulas, he really invested in his students. His door was always open for you to drop by for some extra help with a stats question or something going on in your everyday life. The invitations to his ‘house gatherings’ each semester were such a blessing. Rest well Dr. Spradley. Thank you for touching so many lives.
At Lamar Students would work their schedules around to get into Dr Spradleys statistics class because he was such a good and fair professor in a very demanding and difficult course. As time passes, many of the professors a student takes a class from in college the names are forgotten, but not Dr. Spradley. My condolences.
Dr Spradley possessed a rare combination of common sense, academic intelligence, a heart for God and compassion for his fellow man. He got me through statistics, which was quite a feat. Despite my struggles, he agreed to be on my thesis committee. I would likely have failed without his help. My fondest memories are the “standup” conversations we had when he shopped at M&D Supply.
One of my favorite Professors in College. Dr. Spradley was extremely fair but stern. He believed in punctuality. He announced at the beginning of the year the importance of being on time. Each class he would lock the door when the bell rang. We dared not laugh out loud because he would immediately begin teaching. We would see at least two or three students outside trying to get into class. He never missed a beat and never went to the door to let them in. I learned a lot from Dr. Spradley and will always remember him. Rest in Peace.
He taught my confirmation class at Trinity Methodist Church in Beaumont when he was Associate Pastor. As well, he presided over myself and several other boys when I we were acolytes at the church. I will always remember him as a kind and generous man who put up with a lot of mischief from us boys at the church. That was about 60 years ago. RIP.
What a wonderful man! Definitely my favorite professor at Lamar. He was so encouraging and truly wanted learning to happen. He even had our study group over to his home celebrating the end of the semester. I considered him a friend. Prayers to the family.
My absolute favorite professor at Lamar University. Also knew him through church. Wonderful man.
Had Dr Spradley in the first summer session in 1977 at LU for my first statistics class, went in thinking this might be a mistake but he was an excellent educator and I actually enjoyed the class, may he rest in peace.
My favorite professor. Statistics & Calculus. Always smiling, encouraging, tough, had the biggest heart & would help anyone.
Great man. Great loss
A brilliant man! Rest in Peace, sir!
Thank you for sharing your wisdom. ❤️