The Legacy & Life of Peter Spann, Jr.

"Their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed
with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. If what has been built survives,
the builder will receive a reward." 1 Corinthians 3:13-14 NIV (Legacy Defined)

Yet, it was the year that Peter Spann, Jr. (May 19, 1940) was born to the late Peter and
Ethel Mae Neal Spann in the small rural town of Archer, FL. Although, he was the sixth of
twelve children he was always looked upon as the "oldest" due to his great insight and
wisdom. His life growing up was faced with many adversities. However, at a time of
immense segregation in the South, the year of 1956 was life changing; he was given the
opportunity to advance his education from the late Willie and Elease King Prince and this is
when he decided to move to Miami. From there, his lifelong dream was accomplished as a
proud graduate of the class of 1960 from Booker T. Washington High School (Overtown),
affectionately known as the Black Mecca of The South.

Legacy of The Community

The year was 1966, as he and his wife Retha embarked on making the Carol City (New
Liberty City) community their new home. From the history pages of "The People and
History of New Liberty City" which is now Miami Gardens he was noted as one of the
"pioneers" of New Liberty City. The surroundings were dense, with no street lights, open
field areas, only a few homes built and neighbors that they could count on one hand. At
the time, the nearby adjoining neighbors were the Dudley Family, the Craig Family and the
Morris Family. The Singletary Family came a few years later as well other families that
started to integrate within the neighborhood.

As the community progressed, so did the economic growth and the businesses within the
area. In 1970, Pete's Barbershop was the place where the neighborhood men gathered for
not only a haircut; but for fellowship. It was here that politics, religion and family were
discussed in the same tone. By this time, many other homes had been built, families had
grown, churches matriculated in the area and the real sense of community was felt.

In 1981, he decided to expand their business within the community and Spann's Citgo Gas
& Grocery was birthed. The patronage from the community was felt with immense respect
and dedication as he and his wife forged ahead to define the meaning of black
entrepeneurship. He faced challenges, but endured them all. The 1990's proved to be
endearing for the community and plans for the emerging efforts to expand, rebuild and
strengthen the neighborhood had finally come into fruition.

In 2006, he retired from his businesses with having served well. He was proud to see that
the community had thrived and was heading towards a new direction for growth expansion.

Legacy of Doing Good Work: "A Whole Lot of Scuffling"

Very seldom will you meet a man who more faithfully lived his values. He was a teacher of
all things and his method was simple. His character was the foundation of his conscience.
For this, his hard work and tenacity for business was undeniable in the community of Miami
Gardens (Carol City) for which he served for 40 years. He was the owner and proprietor
of Spann's Citgo Gas & Grocery, Pete's Barbershop and Spann Brothers BBQ Takeout.
His embodiment for business and a pillar for his community was endless. He was strong in
body, spirit and commitment. He never missed a single day of serving his community. The
community in which he loved and helped change for the better. His keen eye for business
was impeccable. Spann's Citgo Gas & Grocery was the first and only franchise in South
Florida owned by African Americans.

He fulfilled every obligation he ever undertook. His word was his bond, and everyone knew
it. He was self-made and self-reliant. From his education to his business, from his skill
with every kind of tool, he engaged with the world as a man who would be its master. He
was proud to be a businessman and one who was well respected. He cultivated a
relationship with many in the neighborhood and was proud to serve as a counselor and
mentor. The number of people who relished on his wisdom was legion. While he most surely
came across a few people who couldn't accept his straight forward satire, he solved the
problem by simply assuring all that it was the best example of who he was.

In 1995 while he and his wife Retha were receiving the African-American Achievers Award
in Business sponsored by JM Family Enterprises, Inc, JM Lexus and Southeast Toyota
Distributors, Inc, he was asked to speak about his perseverance in the business world, in
which he stated, "the road has not always been easy; an endeavor such as this has
been a whole lot of scuffling." He and his wife have also received other awards and have
been featured in the South Florida media. In 1994, they were featured in the Miami
Herald (Neighbors Section), "Growth and Pride Live in Carol City". In 2005, he and his
wife received the Miami Gardens Jaycees Award for Small Business Owners.

Legacy for His Family & Church

Peter married the love of his life, Retha Cook Spann on September 8, 1964. To this union
one child was born, Delena D. Spann. He could always be counted on to be there for his
family. He was responsible and an excellent provider. He loved his wife and daughter. His
unflagging support for their personal lives created the perfect balance for his home. He
always spoke openly of his admiration for the late Willie and Elease King Prince, his
surrogate parents and prominent black business owners in Overtown who taught him all
that he knew about business.

He gained much satisfaction from giving his best in the work God had given him to do. It
wasn't always easy and sometimes the load was challenging. However, through
perseverance and strength from God he accomplished his goals and aspirations in the
different seasons of his life to give a good day's work in and outside of the home.

In October of 2006, his daughter, Delena, witnessed to him about his achievements in life
and convinced him that there was no greater accomplishment than surrendering his life to
the Lord and it was then that he became a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
(Miami Gardens) and it was here that his understanding of faith began to grow. His
devotion to be in church each Sunday was paramount and his respect for Pastor Arthur
Jackson, III was immense.

The Legacy Destination

Our Heavenly Father saw fit to reward Peter Spann, Jr. with wings on July 7, 2021, in his
81st season. For this, as the old hymnal reminds us, "may the work I've done speak for
me." It embodies his life's work.

His legacy will remain fervent through his devoted, faithful and loving wife of 57 years,
Retha Cook Spann, his daughter, Delena D. Spann, two sisters, MaryEllen Spann McLemore
(Archer, FL) and Beatrice Spann Britt (Archer, FL), all of his eight brothers are deceased
(Elmo, Jack, Nathaniel, Truman, Benjamin "BJ", Willie, Ernest and Richard) and one
deceased sister (Bertha Mae).

He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Theodore Cook, Jr. (Verdie) of Mims, FL, Allene
J. Span (Miami, FL) and Brenda J. Miles (Fort Lauderdale), a host of nieces, nephews, his
Antioch church family, relatives and friends.

Indeed, he was the "backbone" of the entire Spann Family and an admired giant of the
Miami Gardens community.

Legacy Scriptures

His descendants will be mighty on earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
(Psalms 112:2)

A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children (Proverbs 13:22)

A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, FAVOR is better than silver and
gold. (Proverbs 22:1)