Craig Hamilton Spence, Lt. Col. (ret), J.D.

On March 31, 2021, beloved husband, father, grandfather (papa), and friend to many, Craig Hamilton Spence, 88, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away to be with the Lord. He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Mary Jean, and his three sons and their families, including six grandchildren: Craig Jr. and his wife, Jennifer, of Boston, MA, and their children, Jack Henry, Stephen, and daughter, Jesse. Michael and his wife Briana, of Memphis, TN, and their children, Luke, Ethan, and Weston. And Douglas and his wife, Corina, of San Antonio. He is predeceased by his father, Brig. Gen. William Spence, his mother, Beulah (Bootsie) Brown Spence, his sister, Luanne Taylor, and his brother, Col. William Spence Jr., all of San Antonio. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who admired and loved him.

Craig was the son of an Army Brigadier General and West Point graduate, class of 1916. He traveled often with his family before settling in San Antonio in 1942 at the age of ten. He graduated in 1950 from Alamo Heights High School, lettering in football and basketball. He received an appointment to West Point, where he again played basketball and football. In 1954 he graduated with a B.S. in Engineering and received his Second Lieutenant commission in the Field Artillery branch. His service record as a career Artillery Officer was exemplary. He served two combat tours in Vietnam. His first tour was in 1961-62 as a representative of President Kennedy's first contingent of US Army Rangers. His second tour was in 1971 as a Field Artillery Unit Commander. He had multiple leadership assignments throughout his 21 year Army career to include the Armed Forces Staff College, Command & General Staff College, Senior Officer Course, Artillery Officer Career Course, Ranger Course, Atomic Defense Officer Course, Army Air Defense Battery Officer Course, and many more. He was also a Math instructor at West Point. He received a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech University in 1965.

He received numerous Service medals and awards, including a Bronze Star medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Vietnam Staff Service medal (1st class), Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Vietnam Campaign medal, Vietnam Service medal, Vietnam Ranger badge, Meritorious Service medal, Ranger tab, and Parachutists badge.

In 1974 he retired from the service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in order to attend Saint Mary's Law School in San Antonio where he again distinguished himself by graduating in only two years. He joined a private practice in downtown San Antonio in 1977 with his law partners and friends, before moving permanently to offices in Alamo Heights for 25 of his nearly 38 years practicing law.

Craig was an avid sports enthusiast. He relished watching his Texas teams, particularly the Spurs, Cowboys, Astros, and Aggies. But his greatest love was reserved for the Black Knights of Army. The perennial Army Navy game in the Spence household easily rivaled in interest that of the super bowl itself. His favorite sport to play was golf. His passion for golf was immense. You could find him playing nearly every weekend morning at the Ft. Sam Houston golf course with several of his retired Army classmates and friends. His long drives were legendary. He was also very active with his sons' athletic achievements, having coached his sons' football and basketball teams throughout their youth. He was president of the Alamo Heights Lions Little League Club for four years from 1977 to 1981. He was also president of the MacArthur High School Booster Club from 1981 to 1984.

What defined Craig's life more than anything, besides his immense love and devotion to his family, were the many close friendships he developed and nurtured. He had close friendships with distinct groups lasting many decades, such as a core group of friends from his Alamo Heights High School 1950 graduating class, and friends from his 1954 West Point class, particularly his A1 company (flankers). He made close friendships where ever he was assigned, which include a group of thirteen officers he befriended in 1958 while stationed at Ft. Bliss Texas. They called themselves the Black Bears. Every two years for 50 years these men, and their spouses, met for reunions to share memories and create more. They were faithfully dedicated to keeping their friendships alive. His devotion to his family, friends, country and faith was the essence of the man.

Craig was a man who, at 6 ft 5 in, stood larger than most. Yet his size belied an outstandingly kind and gentle spirit that endeared him to many people in the San Antonio community. His family and friends miss him greatly already. Yet they are fully mindful of the wonderful and blessed life he led in his 88 years on this earth, and the tremendous legacy he leaves behind in his grandchildren. The imprint he left on many lives is profound. His memory will forever be cherished by those who loved, admired, and respected him.

His Memorial service, to include Military honors, will be held Saturday, May 1, at 1:30 pm, at the First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio, where he was a life-long member:

404 N. Alamo Street

San Antonio, Texas 78205

All friends and family of Craig Spence are welcome to attend the in-person service. For those not able to attend in-person, the service will be Live streamed by the FP Church.

The family will offer an invitation only reception to follow the memorial service to be held at the Towers:

1 Towers Park Lane

San Antonio, Texas 78209

There will be a separate military interment ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery to be held privately by family.