J.B. Spates, Sr. was born in Uvalde, Texas, on September 21, 1936, to Ben Daniel Spates and Minnie Arbell Peoples Spates. J.B. was born into a hardworking and loving family. He dropped out of school in the 6th grade to help his family recover from the loss of their home caused by a fire. He began work as a union carpenter then iron worker and eventually, with his business partner Olan Ray Dotson, Sr., started and owned a subcontracting steel tying company. They tied the foundations for many businesses in San Antonio: Bill Miller Restaurants, portions of Fiesta Texas, Pets Mart and more.

J.B. was married twice. In 1954, at age 18 he married Sandra Barnes and was blessed with two children: Alvera Arbell (Toady) Spates and J.B. Spates, Jr.

In 1968, he married the love of his life, Sharon Mary Reynolds. He was then blessed with two more children: Sharon Melinda Spates and John Benjamin Spates.

J.B. was a devoted son, husband, father and provider. But above all, in his later years, he was a Christian. He loved Jesus. He would not hesitate to witness to not only his family, but to everyone he came in contact with. He often prayed, "I love you God, and want to go to Heaven with you." He was in the hospital with family when God called him to his eternal home in Heaven on September 23, 2026.

J.B. was preceded in death by his father, Ben Daniel Spates; his mother, Minnie Arbell Peoples Spates; his brothers, Ira Eugene (Gene) Spates and Alvin Daniel (Porky) Spates; his son, J.B. Spates Jr.; his granddaughter, Callie Evelynn Spates; and his wife, Sharon Mary Reynolds Spates.

J.B. is survived by his children: Alvera Arbell (Toady) Spates Moore (husband, Bobby); Sharon Melinda Spates Hill (husband, Patrick); John Ben Spates (wife, Lillie); and his daughter-in-law Joyce Elaine Schwab Spates.

Grandchildren: Bobby Ray Moore (wife, Suzanne); Michelle Renee Spates McDonald (husband, Michael); J.B. Spates III; James Patrick Tribe Hill; Brittany Lynn Spates Berdeaux (husband Quinton); Mary Ashlyn Hill; and John Benjamin (Ben) Spates.

Great-grandchildren: Dylan Shane Moore (wife, Kristen); Briar Austin Rose (wife, Kylie), Jonathan Spates; Christopher Matthew Rose; Trenton Michael McDonald; and Blair Evelynn Berdeaux.

Great-great grandchildren: Ethan Shane Moore; Mason Tanner Pierce; Ellie Rosalynn Moore; and Malena Maribelle Rose.

Brother-in-law: John Joseph (Jack) Reynolds; and Sister-in-Law Nedra Frances Bartlett Spates

He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. As a comfort to those who mourn him, he is no longer suffering but is rejoicing with Jesus and all the family members who have gone before him and are already in Heaven.

J.B.'s final request would be for anyone hearing or reading this obituary to have a personal relationship with the Lord and know where they are going to spend eternity.

Please read John 3:16. So, as you miss J.B. you too can have the hope of seeing him again in Heaven.