David Adkisson Spence, Jr.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019, David Adkisson Spence, Jr., died peacefully in Waco at the age of 91.

A private memorial service at the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas will be held at a later date.

David will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy N. Spence of Waco, and his children, David III (Ellen) of Pipe Creek, Texas; Loyd (Anne) of Hewitt, Texas; and Margaret (Mark) McGraw of Hewitt, Texas. David will also be fondly remembered by his seven grandchildren, John David McGraw, Tyler Spence, Austin Spence, Jackson McGraw, Abby Spence, James David Spence, and Joseph Spence. He was preceded in death by his father, David Adkisson Spence, Sr. and mother, Carrie Naomi (Smith)Spence.

He was born July 2, 1928 in Mobile, Alabama. David graduated from Canton High School in Canton, Mississippi in 1947 and Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management in 1956. While at Mississippi State he was a student-athlete, competing in the 440-yard dash, 440-yard relay, and the mile relay. He was also a member of the Beta Tau Chapter of Kappa Alpha, Society of Advancement of Management, the Veterans Club, and the “M”Club.

David proudly served in the Active Reserve Army National Guard from 1946 to 1950. He was active duty Army from October 1950 to August 1952 and reached the rank of Sergeant First Class with primary duties as infantry Platoon Sergeant. David re-joined the Army National Guard Active Reserve from August 1952 to July 1955, where he attained the rank of First Lieutenant and served as a field artillery battery Executive Officer.

He started his professional career at Chance Vought in Dallas, Texas and later moved to Memphis, Tennessee where he met and married Dorothy in 1960. David held various management positions with heavy fabrication companies in Texas and Louisiana that supported the chemical processing industry. Prior to moving to Waco, the family resided in the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas for 43 years.

His children remember him as a loving and supportive father who would attend every church, school or sporting event in which they were involved. David always announced his arrival to their sporting events with a unique whistle which could be heard over all other noise.

David was an accomplished woodworking craftsman who created many custom pieces of beautiful furniture that adorn the homes of each of his children.

He loved anything related to Mississippi State University, Texas A&M University, SEC sports, track and field, gospel and bluegrass music. He was extremely proud of his Mississippi heritage.

He was a long-time member of Clear Lake Baptist Church in Houston. David served as an active volunteer at the Southside YMCA in Shreveport, Louisiana for youth sports and for the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Track and Field where he was a coach for the Bossier City Track Club and co-founder and head coach of the Red Stick Striders in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Memorial donations in David’s memory may be sent to Clear Lake Baptist Church Food Pantry, 15700 Space Center Blvd, Houston, Texas 77062 or https://clearlakebaptist.churchcenter.com/giving. Condolences and memories may be shared with the Spence family via online guest book,www.lakeshorefuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank the medical staff and care team at the Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center for their dedication and care.

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14

Place of Service: Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery , 11463 State Highway 195; Killeen, TX 76542-4945