Obed A. ‘O.A.’ Spady

Published 7:58 pm Friday, January 17, 2025

Obed A. (O.A.) Spady passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Hazel King Spady, his two children, Michael King (Lorri) and Missoura Goldberg (Lou), four grandchildren, Meredith Elliott (Brent), Kevin King (Kelsey), Marina Doggett (Raymond), Danielle Kozinski (Matthew), and five great-grandchildren (Mackenzie, Ainsley, Jacob, Everett and Lee), and brother James Spady. O.A. was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Elizabeth Spady, his older brother, Lawrence Spady, Jr. and his son, Obed Spady, Jr.

O.A. was born on April 29, 1935, spending his adolescent years in Battery Park, VA. A 1953 graduate of Smithfield High School, he went on to further his education at Virginia Tech (VPI in those days) as a member of the Corp of Cadets, captain of D Company, and an active member of the Scabbard and Blade and Arnold Air Societies. He was awarded his degree in Business Administration there in 1957. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force until 1960, a spirit of service that would define his life.

Returning to his beloved Smithfield, he began working in the family business, Battery Park Fish & Oyster Co., first as treasurer and later as president. His dedication to the seafood industry extended beyond his own company, leading him to serve as a director for both the Virginia Seafood Council and the Shellfish Institute of North America. He was recognized in 1988 for his continued support of Virginia Tech’s marine sciences program. 

O.A. immersed himself in the local community, contributing his time and talents to countless organizations. He held leadership roles in many of them, including the Smithfield Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Smithfield Rotary Club (where he remained a dedicated member for 63 years), the Smithfield Community Recreation Association, and the Battery Park and Rescue Ruritans. He was also a prominent member of the Smithfield Jaycees (where he also received their Distinguished Service Award in 1970), the American Legion Post 49, and the Smithfield German Club. His commitment to the community extended to the financial sector, where he served as a bank director, initially at the Bank of Smithfield and later at Farmers Bank and TowneBank.

 O.A.’s commitment extended beyond Smithfield as he served the wider community as a member of the Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors from 1968-1976 and 1992-2000, serving as its chairman in the 90s, and lending his expertise to the Isle of Wight County Industrial Development Authority and the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission. He was a pillar of the local business community, leading Battery Park Fish & Oyster Company, the Battery Park Artesian Water Company, and Oasis Services. His dedication to improving the lives of others was evident through his work with organizations such as the Tri-County Association for Retarded Children (as a director), the Smithfield Swim Club, Isle of Wight Academy (as a board member), and the Isle of Wight Rescue Squad (advisory committee). His influence and contributions were widely recognized, earning him the prestigious title of Smithfield Citizen of the Year in 1973.

In addition to his family and his community, O.A. loved Virginia Tech. Until this fall, you could count on one hand the number of home football games he missed in the last 65 years. His passion for the Hokies was evident in his membership in the prestigious Virginia Tech Pylon Society and the Hokie Club Benefactor Circle. He served as a director of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association and was one of the original “Hackin’ Hokies” (a golf team alumni group), being recognized with the team’s Appreciation Award in 2004. O.A. contributed his expertise as a director to the Virginia Tech Athletic Fund for 10 years and served on its Executive Committee for 6 years, serving as vice-president and president. He was instrumental in founding the Western Tidewater Hokie Club, a local chapter closer to home. In lasting tribute to his dedication, the Strength Training Office in the Basketball Practice Facility was named “The O.A. Spady Room” in 2009.

A true embodiment of community spirit, O.A. leaves behind a legacy of leadership, service, and profound impact on the lives of countless individuals in Smithfield and beyond.

The family would like to thank Virginia Health Services, especially Brittany, and Our Heart Your Home for their outstanding care.

A service will be held at Little’s Funeral Home in Smithfield, VA at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 21, with a reception to follow at The Smithfield Station. Guests are encouraged to show their Hokie Spirit – feel free to wear orange and maroon.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Isle of Wight Academy, Isle of Wight Rescue Squad or Virginia Tech Athletic Fund.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com