Harry Lee Renis Spell

Harry passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of April 1, 2011 at the age of 84. A devoted father, loving husband, and mysterious combination of scientist, philosopher, and master gardener, he was always up for a good conversation. His generosity, kindness, and engaging smile will be truly missed. Harry was born on a small farm on October 7, 1926, in Ridge, Louisiana, growing up in the midst of the depression with a large family of ten children. After high school, he enlisted in the Army in 1946, and was given a most unique assignment working with the legendary scientist Wernher Von Braun on the early classified rocket development program in White Sands, New Mexico. His main task was computing the trajectory of the test rockets. Harry had many stories of when things didn’t always go as planned, and the resulting spectacular crashes. After the army, Harry attended the University of South-western Louisiana on the GI Bill, graduating with a B.S. in physics. He met his sweet-heart, Bernice LeBlanc, living in nearby Crowley, Louisiana, and they were married in 1951. Harry worked from the time he learned to ride a bike, working his first jobs as a delivery boy for the news-paper and drugstore in Lafayette. During his first year of marriage he worked as a radio announcer at KSIG in Crowley and also taught adult learning classes at the South Crowley High School. In 1952 they moved to Lake Jackson, as Harry had landed a job as a chemist with Dow. Harry and Bernice were married over 59 years, raising three children, Suzanne, Mike, and Tony; and blessed with four grandchildren, Matthew, Courtney, Kelsey, and Chais. Harry had a successful 34 year career as a Research Scientist with Dow Chemical, also receiving a M.S. in chemistry from Texas A&M as part of his continuing education. He eventually received the distinction of Senior Associate Scientist, working in polymer science, epoxy resins, and infrared, mechanical & electron spectroscopy. Through his work, he co-authored over twenty journal and conference papers and produced analytical methods adopted by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). He was elected to head the local section of the American Chemical Society (ACS), and under his direction, with the assistance of national experts; he helped organize the first lab school for teachers to deal with drug abuse, receiving the “ACS Brazosport Award for Outstanding Scientific Achievement” in 1984 for his work. Other awards included the Vernon A. Stenger Award for “Meritorious Achievement in Analytical Science,” and the Dow Texas Division “Life-Saving Recognition Award” for saving a choking colleague in 1983. Harry was very active in the local community and church. For over 10 years he served as president of the Lake Jackson Association (Lake Farms) helping establish best management strategies for maintaining the health of the Lake. This included collaboration with Texas A&M Wildlife and Fisheries trying to find a “green solution” to the lake weed and algae control using Triploid Grass Carp and Tilapia. For his service, he received a special recognition award for his “Outstanding Contribution” from the Lake Association. Harry was Methodist all his life and was active in the local churches Chapelwood and First United Methodist. He was also active in the early local Lion’s Club. Harry was an avid reader of physics and astronomy. From the time he was married he purchased a telescope, always upgrading every few years. This love of science influenced both his children and grand-children, with many of them pursuing careers in the sciences and engineering, always with his enthusiastic support. This sphere of influence extended to relatives and friends with Harry generously volunteering his time to help with their kid’s science projects, also serving as a science fair judge. Although he claimed he was tone deaf, Harry loved music; classical, opera, and folk songs, and would always listen to Bernice whenever she would sing and play the guitar. One of his favorite songs that Bernice played was “The Streets of Laredo.” We would often catch him humming classical tunes (thus proving he was not tone deaf). Memorial services were held at 3:00 pm Saturday, April 16, 2011 at chaplewood Unoted Methodist Church. Private burial was at Restwood Memorial Park. Arrangements were under the direction of Restwood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Clute, Texas.