Richard Spencer's Obituary
Services for Richard Spencer, 87, of Longview are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, February 26, 2018 at Alpine Church of Christ in Longview, with John Richard Spencer and Jay Spencer officiating.
Burial will be at Rosewood Cemetery under the direction of Rader Funeral Home, Longview. Visitation will be at Rader Funeral Home, Longview on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Mr. Spencer died February 22nd in Longview.
He was born August 6, 1930 in Leesburg, Texas to John Clifford and Jesse Mae Spencer. He lived in Longview since 1958. Mr. Spencer graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1947 where he was a standout football player, rushing for over 1000 yards and 22 touchdowns his senior year. After graduating high school, he attended North Texas State University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served in the Korean War from 1952-1954, where he was an expert marksman. Upon release from the Army, he was offered a job by the FBI but instead, took a job at IBM. Mr. Spencer was in business for himself as president of Electronic Business Machines for 25 years, along with many other ventures. He was a member of the Alpine Church of Christ for over 50 years where he served as a deacon and taught many Bible classes. Mr. Spencer served on the Board of Directors for Texas Bank and Trust for over forty years, along with serving on the board of directors of the American Heart Association, President of the Board of Directors of Camp Deer Run, and was a major contributor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In his spare time, Mr. Spencer enjoyed playing golf, bird hunting, and elk hunting in New Mexico.
Mr. Spencer is preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Glenda Breedlove Spencer, daughter Angie Spencer Tidwell, and brothers John Spencer, Ralph Spencer, and Dave Spencer.
Mr. Spencer is survived by daughter Janie Spencer Farrer and husband Don of Longview, son Richie Spencer and friend Kim Brooks of Henderson. Grandchildren Logan Tidwell and wife Tiffany of Tyler, Layne Tidwell and wife Meghan of Ft. Worth, Allison Farrer Hebert of Longview, Tyler Farrer of Richardson and fiancé Kristie Harvey, Holly Farrer Patel and husband Nikesh, and Hillary Farrer, all of Longview. Miles Spencer and wife Lexi, and Brooke Spencer of Chandler. Great grandchildren Sophie Hebert, Emma Hebert, Emory Tidwell, Avery Moss, and Kohen Spencer, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Heartis of Longview for the love and wonderful care they gave Mr. Spencer the 3½ years he was there. Especially Dorta, Tammie, Donna, Nancy, April Jones, Krystal, Koko, Steven, Jaycee, LaVelma, Vera, April Stringfellow, and sitter for two years, Rachel Garrett.
Pallbearers are Tyler Farrer, Logan Tidwell, Layne Tidwell, Miles Spencer, Jeremy Hebert, and Nikesh Patel. Honorary pallbearers are Richard Gibson, Rogers Pope Sr., Clyde Tomlinson, Weldon Frazier, Charles Palmer, Eddie Cannon, and J.C Ford.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
John 14: 1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”
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