Ralph Spencer, Sr.

Wake:

Friday, May 6, 2016, 7:30-9:30 PM

Funeral Service:

Saturday, May 7, 2016, 11:00 AM

both services held:

Alta Mesa Baptist Church
2939 Palo Alto Drive
Dallas, Texas

Ralph Spencer, Sr. was born December 22, 1936 in Wills Point, Texas to the parentage of James “Bud” and Rebecca Spencer. He was raised with his other 6 siblings in a home that emphasized God, Family, Work and Love for your Fellowman that became a part of his being and even now, his legacy. Ralph attended grade school in Wills Point and Terrell, Texas where he became an all around student through academics and athletics, particularly in the areas of football and baseball. Through his Father’s straightforward steering of hard work and his Mother’s discipline, Ralph graduated high school in 1954 from Burnett High School. After taking a year to work with his Father and Uncles in the construction business, Ralph continued his education and experiential learning at Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas where he excelled and earned an Associate in Arts Degree in the field of Building Trades in 1957.

Upon his return to Terrell, Ralph rejoined his Father and Uncles in the Construction business, but this time with additional knowledge and experience that would lead him to taking the Spencer Construction Company to new heights. Over the next 50 plus years, Ralph would become a Master Builder and Electrician throughout Texas and parts of Oklahoma while expanding the family business to new workers such as his son, grandchildren, nephews, cousins, young men from his church and the surrounding communities in which he lived. His philosophy was always the same, “ start early, work late if necessary, but work and complete the job as if you were building /repairing for yourself and your own family”.

While growing professionally and personally, Ralph was introduced, by his brother Grady, to a stunning and sophisticated young lady and school teacher, in the form of Shirley Mae Bobino, during a Terrell vs. Corsicana High School football game at the Terrell High School Stadium that led to a 2-year courtship. On March 6, 1964, Shirley and Ralph joined together in true Holy Matrimony and to this union, three children were born (Shauretta, Ralph, Jr. and Melody) and three nieces and a nephew were raised (Karen, Sandra, Major Lynn and Michael). In 1966, Ralph and Shirley moved to Dallas, Texas, where they continued using their time, talents and God-given direction to grow in every aspect of life.

Construction and Family were not the only significant part of his life, as Ralph received Christ at an early age through the guidance and support of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Wills Point, TX and the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church of Terrell, Texas. Upon moving to Dallas, he continued to build upon his faith and commitment to God through his membership at Alta Mesa Park Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. L.E. Robertson. During his 30 years at Alta Mesa, Ralph served in many capacities including as a Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School Director, Baptist Training Union Director, National Baptist Congress Delegate, Mentor, Groundskeeper and Building Supervisor. After receiving God’s call to serve in membership at New Community Missionary Baptist under the pastoral care of Rev. Alton Ingram, Ralph continued his faithfulness by serving in the same areas and more. He remained a faithful member until the end.

Ralph had a sincere passion for outreach and helping others to know that “Church” was not just coming to a building on Sundays and through the week to gather together and praise/worship the Lord, but what was learned and experienced in the building had to be shared and displayed outside of the walls. It was no more evident than in his development of Sunday School classes and activities that reached out to the community, especially to the elderly, to those residing in assisted living facilities and to young people. His faithfulness to God and his desire to see others learn and grow through the Power of God, in all areas of life, was truly his mission in life.

Ralph Sr. is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Shirley Mae, both parents, James “Bud” and Rebecca Spencer, siblings, Celestine, Nellie, Pearline, Fred and Grady. He leaves to cherish his memories: daughters, Shauretta Spencer-Robertson (Carlton Sr.) and Melody Spencer-Southall (Thomas); son, Ralph Spencer, Jr. (Jacqueline Garrett) ; two nieces and a nephew he raised, Karen DeCuire, Sandra Bobino and Michael Jacquet; grandchildren Richmond Spencer, Carlton Robertson, Jr. (CJ), Jaliyah Spencer, Greyson Southall, Austin High; Brother, Joe Spencer (Sheila); Sister-in-Law , Darlyne Spencer(Grady); along with a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.