Lester Gene Spencer

Lester Gene Spencer, age 73, of Gun Barrel City, Texas, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Lester was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Bennie and Ruby Murphy Spencer. At age 10, the family moved to Dallas, Texas, where he attended Rylie Junior High and H. Grady Spruce High School, graduating in 1968. Before getting drafted, Les worked as a naturalist for the Museum of Natural History in Dallas. He served three years in the U.S. Army (1969-1972), including one year in Vietnam, as a gunner on a 50 caliber, with the 173rd Airborne. After the Army, he went to work for the Dallas Zoo. Les always had a soft spot for animals and had many pets, some out of the ordinary. Later he was a photographer and reporter for the Mena Star in Arkansas. He went on to be a traveling portrait photographer and had his own studio at Olan Mills in Dallas. Les loved the open road and became an over-the-road truck driver after his studio closed. From the age of 14, motorcycles were his passion, and he spent vacations traveling.

Les married Sandy Rhodes, meeting at church. He was an on-fire believer and member of the Christian Motorcyclist Association. His wife shared his passion for both the Lord and bikes. We know he lives with Jesus now.

Les is predeceased by his parents and sister Shirley Montgomery (Craig). Also many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his wife Sandy, children Katherine Jenkins (Justin), Thomas Allen, William Abecrombie (Shannon), Kristin Allen, and 10 grandchildren. Also brother-in-law Craig Montgomery, niece Jennifer Starkey (Sean), nephews Jason Allen and John Montgomery (Effie), uncle George Murphy (Debbie), aunts Fern Knight (Loyd), and Charlotte Mayfield, and many cousins, great nieces and nephews.

He wants to see you all again in Heaven, so if you are not sure where you will go when it's your time, please find someone who can lead you on the path to glory. Amen.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roselawn-funerals.com for the Spencer family.