After more than six decades practicing law here in Lawrence County, attorney Harold Spears earned one of the most prestigious honors someone in his profession can receive when he was given the Ohio State Bar Foundation’s Honorary Life Fellowship Award.

The award is given annually to an Ohio attorney whose career has been exemplified by dedication to the goals and values sought to be furthered by the foundation including integrity, honor, courtesy and professionalism, as well as demonstrating a lifetime of service to the public and to the community.

Spears, a man who is known for his no-nonsense manner as a prosecutor and his gregarious storytelling of Ironton’s past, has certainly earned this distinction.

The Marshall University graduate studied law at the Duke University School of Law and is also a WWII Navy combat veteran.

The attorney, now 92, exemplifies the concept that success in life is dictated more by what you do, rather than where you are from.

For his long career of excellence we recognize Harold Spears with this week’s “Good News, Good Neighbor” spotlight.

Regardless of someone’s chosen profession, everyone can learn from an individual like Spears who has built his career on honesty, integrity and community spirit.