Laxton P. “L.P.“ Spell

DURHAM- Laxton P. “L.P.” Spell, 90, passed away on November 20, 2022 at Falls River Court in Raleigh.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Elizabeth Vanhook Spell.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, Ottis Benson Spell and Corrina Tyndall Spell; brothers, Elven “E.B.” Spell and Marby “Bud” Spell; and sister, Myrtle Spell Taylor.

Mr. Spell was born in Sampson County, NC, but moved to Durham in 1949 when his family retired from farming. It was a short while later that he was introduced to a young girl named Mary Elizabeth. They eloped when he was 18 and she was 16 and were married for 69 years. Mr. Spell was a veteran of the US Army and worked for A&P Grocery for 40 years, with many of those years managing the meat departments in various locations throughout Durham. He also moonlighted as a butcher for Garrad’s Sausage. After his retirement, he spent many years transporting cars for various dealerships in the Triangle area. In his downtime, he enjoyed fishing and tinkering on lawnmowers in his workshop. His home was his castle and he felt blessed that he and Mary could call it theirs but his greatest love was his family. Nothing made him happier than to be surrounded by his children and he always told each of them, “I really do”. His hugs will be greatly missed.  He was a Christian and a member of West Durham Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Mr. Spell is survived by his daughters, Cathy Spell Miller and husband, Denny of Raleigh, Patricia Spell Smith and husband, Benny of Durham, and Teresa Spell and husband, David Hales of Powhatan, VA; grandchildren, Nathan Brady and wife Alison, and Benjamin Smith; great-grandchildren, Joshua Brady and Michael Brady.

A private family service will be held. 

The family would like to thank those special family and friends who shared their time and love with him, as well as the staff at Falls River Court, for their kindness and care of this exceptional man.

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