Friends, family members and community leaders gathered to pay their respects to former Sheriff Tom Spangler on Sept. 17 at Clear Springs Baptist Church.
Two deputies in dress uniform stood guard over Spangler's casket, draped in an American flag, as his family received condolences in hushed tones and in the form of firm handshakes and hugs.
Hundreds waited their turn in a line that snaked from the casket out to the lobby of the Corryton church, with many waiting over an hour to pay their respects.
Leaders and rank-and-file law enforcement officers from throughout the region filled the pews.
Spangler died earlier this month at the age of 67 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife, Linda, their two daughters and sons-in-law,
and multiple grandchildren.
Friends, family and colleagues remembered "Spanky" as a life-long public servant who prided himself on faith, family and fishing.
Those three pillars "made his face light up," said longtime friend Hallerin Hilton Hill.
Friend and assistant Kimberly Glenn said Spangler was determined to finish his second term as sheriff.
"The days cancer had taken nearly everything out of you, yet you still answered your phone and you kept showing up."
Spangler's daughters spoke about the toll of his lengthy fight with cancer and his surprising affinity for the rapper Eminem.
"He was truly an amazing person," said Mellony Kent, one of Spangler's daughters.
Pastor Justin Pratt gave an impassioned speech about the importance of faith in Spangler's life before a musical performance of "Heaven was Needing an Angel" to close the ceremony.
The proceedings will continue on a second day. Family and friends will meet at 1 p.m. Sept. 18 at Mynatt Funeral Home's Powell Chapel, 2000 Powell Drive, then travel in procession to East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Gov. John Sevier Highway, for a 2 p.m. service conducted by the Knox County Sheriff's Office with full military honors.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Community honors Sheriff Tom Spangler, who 'kept showing up' through cancer
