Thomas Ramey Spence, Jr.

Tom was raised in San Antonio, Texas and graduated from Thomas Jefferson H.S. in 1936 as a ROTC cadet. He attended Saint Mary's University while working with his father's business "Spence Produce Company".

Tom was called to serve his country during WWII and began his career in the Army which lasted twenty years. He was stationed in Ft. Warren in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1943, where he met the love of his life, Marilyn L. Decker. They married after a year of courtship on December 5, 1944 and soon started their family. Their first child Carol was born in November 11. 1945. Tom received orders to go to Japan in 1947 and the family joined him. There, they met lifelong friends Genie and Cliff Edgar, and welcomed their second child, Bobbie, on January 11, 1949.

They came back to the United States and after moving around to several places, they were fortunate to return to San Antonio where they bought a home nearby his parents and celebrated the birth of their third child, Bill, on January 6, 1951. Tom was ordered to Germany in 1952 and moved the Spence clan to Germany for three years. They returned to San Antonio in 1954, soon after they welcomed their fourth child, Becky on June 8, 1959. The same year Tom received orders for Korea.

In 1960, he returned home and retired from the Army as a Lt. Colonel. Surprised with the coming of a fifth child, the couple knew they had to move into a larger home. They decided to build a new house outside of Fort Sam Houston, right across the street from the Golf Course, which was Tom and Lynn's other passion. Patty was born on May 26, 1961, and the whole family helped plant grass and move into the new family home.

Tom took his first civilian job with The American Red Cross as their Safety Director, making him in charge of any medical emergencies at the annual Rodeo's, Parades and major events in the nearby vicinity. Tom taught swimming and boating as well at all the area pools and lakes and even had all his children give swimming lessons to all that needed to learn.

Golfing was a favorite pasttime to both he and his wife where they spent many great times with the wonderful friends they had met throughout the years. Tom made six "hole in one's" in his lifetime!

To fulfill a love for country living, Tom and Lynn purchased a ranch in 1983 outside of San Antonio and would enjoy their horses, cattle and entertaining friends and family. It was their passion for a long time and they enjoyed spending weekends there.

Family gatherings were always a special time for the Spence's. The most wonderful gift Tom gave his family was the gift of lifelong memories and family traditions. Tom and Lynn's home would be filled to the brim with his children and grandchildren reminiscing and making new memories. Although Tom has gone to Heaven, his legacy and gift will live on.

On Friday, July 10th a service will be held at 9:30 AM in the chapel at Porter Loring on McCullough. Thomas will be laid to rest with his beloved Marilyn in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.