Cecil E. Spearman Jr. lived a long, prosperous, and remarkably full life, defined by his devotion to family, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his lifelong passion for tennis.

What began as a dream of club ownership ultimately grew into a thriving family enterprise that continues to flourish today.

Born in Alabama to Cecil and Edith Spearman, both dedicated educators, Cecil was primarily raised in Hinsdale, Illinois. From an early age, he developed an exceptional work ethic. As a young boy he held paper routes and restaurant jobs, in older adolescence he collected garbage, and hauled bricks, mud, and cement while helping his father construct three high schools in the Hinsdale area. After graduation, he performed demanding construction labor, pick and shovel for thirty cents an hour. These early experiences instilled in him the discipline, perseverance, and determination that would guide him throughout his life.

In school, Cecil excelled both academically and athletically, earning recognition in multiple sports, though tennis quickly emerged as his greatest passion.

That passion led him to Duke University, where he competed on Duke’s men’s tennis team and became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. His leadership, professional accomplishments, and lifelong commitment to the fraternity were later recognized through his designation as a Significant Sig, one of Sigma Chi’s highest honors.

Cecil’s connection to Duke remained strong throughout his life. A loyal and enthusiastic Duke basketball fan, he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the Blue Devils, whether courtside or from the comfort of home. He was an active supporter of the university, its alumni community, and both the men’s and women’s tennis programs. In recognition of the Spearman family’s enduring commitment to Duke tennis, the university’s outdoor Court 1 proudly bears the Spearman name.

Upon graduating from Duke University, Cecil served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. After attending Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Virginia, and completing training at Camp Pendleton, he was stationed in Korea and Japan. He remained deeply proud of his service as a Marine and considered it one of the great honors of his life to serve his country.

Following his military service, Cecil embarked on a journey that united his passion for tennis with his entrepreneurial spirit. His dream of club ownership began when he accepted a position at Gulf Hills Country Club in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. During his three years as Director of Tennis and Assistant Manager, he developed a deep appreciation for the club industry and envisioned one day owning a club of his own.

He carried that vision with him as he launched his business career with American Hospital Supply, eventually rising to the position of Regional Vice President. It was during this time that he met his beloved wife, Jean, a practicing nurse at a local hospital. Their courtship was brief but certain; after their first date, they were married within six months. Together they built a life that would span 63 years of marriage, raising their family in several cities as Cecil advanced through the corporate ranks.

While building his corporate career, Cecil took his first step into entrepreneurship with the purchase of The Racquet Club of Lake Bluff in Illinois, near the family’s home. For several years, he successfully balanced executive responsibilities with club ownership.

Cecil later left American Hospital Supply to become President of Bergen Brunswig, a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Southern California. Eleven years after relocating his family from Illinois to California, he purchased Laguna Niguel Racquet Club in 1984 and made the decision to leave the corporate world behind, devoting himself fully to the business he loved. Over the years that followed, his three sons joined the business and Cecil expanded his vision by adding several clubs to the family’s portfolio.

Cecil transformed his dream of club ownership into a thriving family enterprise. Working alongside Jean and their three sons—Mark, Steve, and Scott—he built not only successful clubs but also a legacy of family leadership that spanned generations.

Today, Mark continues that legacy, operating the company’s two remaining clubs alongside his daughter, Cassidy. Under their stewardship, the business is performing at the highest level in its history.

Even at age 96, Cecil remained actively involved in the family business. His passion, energy, and commitment never waned. He possessed the heart of a lion—always thinking, planning, encouraging, and inspiring those around him. His entrepreneurial spirit remained as strong in his later years as it was when he first dreamed of owning a club.

Above all else, Cecil was devoted to his family. Family gatherings were among the most important events in his life, whether it be here in Southern California or at their home in Mammoth Lakes. He and Jean took great pride in the family they built together. Their sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the true highlights of their lives. Nothing brought Cecil greater joy than watching his family grow and flourish.

Cecil passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean, and by his son, Steve.

He is survived by his sons, Mark and Scott Spearman, and their families; his 11 grandchildren; and his 4 great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his legacy of hard work, dedication, and love of family.