Grant Spangler

On May 18th, 2017 Grant Edward Spangler passed away peacefully at home. “Bud” as he was called from an early age was almost 91 years old. He was born on October 17, 1926 in Lebanon Pennsylvania, the only son and child to Florence Agnes Paine and Edward Jones Spangler. A true member of the “Greatest Generation,” Bud lived a life of the highest character, hard work, and family devotion. In 1944, he enlisted in the US Army Reserve before he had even graduated from Lebanon High School in June of that same year. He then served two years in the army before returning to Pennsylvania to attend Lehigh University. There he received his B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering. He graduated with High Honors and received the Outstanding Student Award in Metallurgy. His first job in his respective field was with Westinghouse Atomic Power Division. Among his many duties at Westinghouse, he worked on development and production of Nuclear Reactors for the first Nuclear Sub. He worked with the Captain of the first Nuclear Sub to sail under the ice in the North Pole.

In 1952, he entered the University of Pennsylvania where he received his Master of Science degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He worked for 2 research labs (Air Reduction Research Lab and the Franklin Institute Research Lab) before coming to Reynold Metals in Richmond, Va. where he spent the remainder of his career retiring as the Manager of the Metallurgy Research Lab in the Metallurgical Research Division. They developed many breakthrough alloys during his tenure at the lab for the automotive and aerospace industries, including the solid rocket boosters for the space shuttle. The lab building at 4th & Canal Streets in downtown Richmond was later donated to the Richmond Ballet.

In 1954, he married the love of his life, Shirley JoAnne Spangler. Together they built a family that they nurtured and loved unconditionally.

In addition to his loving wife, Shirley, Bud leaves behind three children: Susan “Sue” Spangler Hartman, Edward Grant “Ned” Spangler and his wife Mary, Thomas “Tom” Spangler and his wife Cindy. He also leaves behind his grandchildren who knew him as “Poppa”: Neal Hartman, Kalee Hartman, Emily Spangler Sinclair (Hunter), Grant Spangler, Yancey Spangler, Hunter Spangler, Kemp Spangler, and Peyton Spangler. And their newest additions, great grandchildren, Mary Bryce and Ford Sinclair. And last but certainly not least, his best pal and canine companion, Charlie Spangler.

He was a member and received accolades from numerous Engineering organizations and societies, including a stint as president of The Engineers Club in Richmond. He was an early and devoted member of Epiphany Lutheran Church, along with his wife and family. He enjoyed many happy days at his neighborhood pool, Avalon Recreation Association where the Spanglers were one of the earliest members. He and Shirley also began hosting an annual Bloody Mary party on Christmas morning which drew neighbors from Coalport Road and beyond.

Bud was a brilliant man who strove for perfection in all that he did. He was a talented golfer until back injuries sidelined him. He then took up woodworking, where he crafted many wooden masterpieces for family and friends. However, his favorite hobby was photography, and he captured many magic moments at family gatherings and sporting events. He eventually became the “unofficial” photographer of Building B at Lakewood Manor, where he captured the day to day life of the residents on film.

Bud was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. He was a man of the highest integrity who “did the right thing” as a way of life every single day.

“Job well done, good and faithful servant.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Epiphany Lutheran Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Comfort Zone Camp.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 31st from 6-8 pm at Woody’s Funeral Home, 1771 Parham Road.

A memorial Service will be held June 1st at 1:30 at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1400 Horsepen Road. Reception to follow in the church social hall. Interment will be private.

Arrangements under the direction of Woody Funeral Home-Parham, Richmond, VA.