Dr. Ted R Spivey, 85, of Saint Simons Island and Atlanta, GA, died Friday, December 7, 2012 of complications from many health problems. He was born July 1, 1927 to Pearl Sumner and Ted R Spivey of Swainsboro, GA. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Julia Douglass Spivey.
He retired as Regent's Professor of English from Georgia State University where for many years he taught Southern and modern British literature which introduced him to friendships with notable scholars and authors Joseph Campbell, Walker Percy and well known Georgians Flannery O'Connor and Conrad Aiken. He maintained a lively conversation and correspondence with them over the years.
In Sally Fitzgeralds book of Flannery's letters, "Habit of Being" included some of her most introspective letters to him covering philosophy, religion and Catholicism, a subject of keen interest to her. The depth of Dr. Spivey's knowledge of history, philosophy and literature was extensive.
Dr. Spivey was a veteran of The US Navy, serving during WWII. He then returned to Emory University where he received his degree in Journalism and was member of Kappa Alpha order and editor of The Wheel, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. He received his PhD and taught at the University of Minnesota. Upon returning to GA, he first taught at his alma mater Emory, later at Georgia State University where he became Regents Professor of English.
Over the years he wrote 24 books and over 100 academic essays for scholarly journals. He is listed in The Dictionary of American Biography . He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and those members attending will be pallbearers.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his daughter Mary Spivey Cashin (Edward), granddaughters Julia and Amy; his son John Andrew Spivey (Doreen); his sister Mrs. Jay Youngblood (Deene) and his aunt Mrs JL Hutchinson (Billie) both of Swainsboro; his sister-in-law, Mrs. Terrell W. Hill (Paula).
Funeral service will be at Christ Church Frederica Monday, December 10, 2012 at 3PM with a graveside service at 12PM Tuesday December 11, 2012 in Swainsboro City Cemetery.
At a later date a memorial service will be held in Atlanta, GA.
Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com
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