David Edwin Spore passed away at the age of 85 on Friday, May 10, 2024.  He went peacefully, surrounded by family and friends at home in Pasadena, MD.  He fought a long battle with MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome) with amazing strength.  He was not afraid of death, and planned his last days with dignity, prioritizing spending time with loved ones. He was very proud of his family and loved being a grandfather and great grandfather.  He was an avid reader, gardener and enjoyed being an early adopter of technology.  He even developed an amusing relationship with Siri using his iPad.

David was born in Davenport, Iowa on August 7 1938 to Dorothy Fulton Spore and Harold Guy Spore. The family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1942.  David graduated from Oklahoma University (OU) with a BA degree in Psychology and Minor in Philosophy & English.  He later received his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Wyoming.

He married his high school sweetheart, Gerry Beth Gode, in 1961 and they had two children, David Allen and Deborah Ann.  In 1964, David managed to get into the Air Force by putting heavy keys in his pocket during the required weigh in.   That small sleight of hand resulted in a distinguished career of 23 years.  He was a very cool Minuteman ICBM Flight Commander for 6 years, based out of F.E. Warren Air Force Base.  His last assignment was at Andrews Air Force Base as a Management & Procedures Division Supply Officer. He retired in 1987 with the rank of Major.

David married Bernita Bridges Spore in 1984. They enjoyed retirement years together and spent a good amount of time visiting family and friends.  They enjoyed cookouts, large family gatherings and square dancing.

David was always active in the community, either volunteering or learning new hobbies.  One of his most significant contributions was with Hospice of St. Mary's as Chairman of Hospice Board of Directors, and a Hospice Patient Volunteer.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Timothy Guy Spore.

He is survived by his first wife, Gerry Spore Wood, their children David Allen Spore and Deborah Ann Mackall. His second wife, Bernita Bridges Spore and Thirteen grandchildren: Laura Spore,  Emily Spore [Dennis] Austin, Olivia Spore [Joshua]  Marshall, Jonathan Spore, Julian Spore, Dylan Spore, Lyndsay Mackall [Aaron] Cortese, Sabrina Mackall, Carlton Mackall, Nicolas Mackall, Cordell Mackall,  Melodie Mackall, Lillian Mackall; and his 4 great grandchildren, Giovanni Cortese, Nora Austin, Rory Austin, and Milo Marshall.

Family and friends may visit on Monday, May 20, 2024 from 10am to 11am at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A., 495 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146. Flowers may be sent directly to the funeral home.

A funeral service will follow at 11am in the funeral home.

Interment will be held privately at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, MD