Royce Patrick "Pat" Spangler Jr., 61, passed away on Monday, January 28, 2019, at his home in Shelby. Born in Mecklenburg County on November 4, 1957, he was the son of the late Royce Patrick Spangler, Sr. and Eloise Young Spangler. Pat was a lifelong resident of Cleveland County and he was the youngest of five siblings.

He attended Shelby High School, Lees-McRae College and Gardner-Webb University. He followed his family into their business at Spangler Concrete, which later became Concrete Supply. He also worked for Concrete Coring and Cleveland Equipment Company.

Pat was an avid supporter of the VFW. He was a Mason and a member of Cleveland Lodge #202 A.F &.A.M. He was also a member of Piedmont Shrine Club. He made many lifelong friends as a member of these organizations.

Pat loved the life he lived, whether it was riding his bike to Willis Sandwich Shop as a young child, showing cattle at the State Fair, or visiting friends. He never met a stranger and had a ready smile for everyone; he enjoyed cracking jokes whenever he could. He loved spending the weekend and sunny days at Lake James with his wife Kay. All who knew him will continue to celebrate him as the man who always made jokes, was a peacemaker and loved his large Dairy Queen Blizzards with extra Oreos.

Pat had an enormous heart and compassion for all people, especially children. He was a huge advocate for Autism Awareness through the VFW. He was one of the organizers that helped to fundraise for the Cleveland County chapter for autistic children.

Even though his life was cut short he was a wonderful Paw Paw Pat. He was very proud of his three grandchildren, who were the highlights of his life.

Pat is survived by his wife, Kay Greene Spangler; daughter Brittany Spangler Beam (Jason) of Shelby; son Royce Patrick Spangler III of Shelby, Karen Vaughn of Shelby; grandchildren R. Patrick "Bo" Spangler IV, Emmalyn Beam, Kason Beam, Gracie Vaughn and Luke Vaughn; along with his four sisters Lynn Spangler of Shelby, Jane Poe (Steve) of Winston Salem, Jeanie Spangler of Davidson and Penny Lambert (Marty) of Davidson. He also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Buffalo Baptist Church of Shelby with the Rev. Macky Turner presiding. Visitation will be from 12:30 pm to 2 pm in the church sanctuary prior to the service. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Autism Awareness, VFW Post 4066, 855 W. Sumter St., Shelby, NC 28150.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Spangler.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com