Gene "Sonny" Spearman passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at the age of 72. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas to Gene and Elaine Spearman, he spent the entirety of his life as an avid Arkansas Razorbacks fan. After moving to Dallas, Texas early in his adult life, he became an integral part of many noteworthy local and state organizations. He worked in Executive Administration for the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department from 1966-1994. He was a former Board member of Boys Baseball Incorporated (BBI) and Past President, Auctioneer, and long-time active member of the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS). His love of sports afforded him the opportunity to work in various capacities at Reunion Arena and American Airlines Center for the Dallas Stars and the Dallas Mavericks, Texas Stadium for the Dallas Cowboys, and the Cotton Bowl for the Cotton Bowl Classic and other venue events. He was also well-known for his role as Santa Claus. He spent all of his extra time in November and December of each year performing as a professional Santa for local professional sports teams, the DeGoyer Estate in the Dallas Arboretum, numerous charities, private organizations and families. As the official City of Dallas Santa for many years, he hosted the City of Dallas Downtown Tree Lighting arriving in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, motorcycle, fire truck, helicopter, and sleigh! He loved the city of Dallas and this was most evident in his passion for and commitment to The Great State Fair of Texas. He most recently served as the Entertainment Coordinator and Stage Manager and, with over 40 years of service to the State Fair, he was known and loved by countless numbers of employees and patrons alike. He is survived by his immediate family (Terry Spearman, David and Heather Spearman, Steve and Kristin Nelson, his five grandsons Addison, Milo, Keaton, Cameron, and Vaughn) and a large network of extended family and friends. A Celebratory Gathering will take place from 1 to 3:30pm on Friday September 18, 2015 at The Foundry (2303 Pittman Street Dallas, TX 75208); followed by another celebratory gathering beginning at 4:30pm at the DoubleWide (3510 Commerce Dallas, TX 75226). Family and friends are invited to attend both, or chose which one fits their schedule. Arrangements under the direction of: ARIA Cremation Service & Funeral Home 10116 E Northwest Highway Dallas, TX 75238 214-340-8008