George Hutchings Spencer died on June 29, 2013, at the age of 89. George was born in 1923 in Kendall County in the house he and his sister still own. His parents were Flora Houston Johns (1894-1962) and Radcliffe Spencer (1881-1965).
After graduating from Boerne High School, he entered Texas A&M University. Following his junior year, he voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army. Despite a passion to serve in the Horse Cavalry, he received his commission in the Armor branch. He then volunteered for Jump School and, following completion, was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. He was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant in 1945.
Like many others in the Class of 1944 at A&M, he never completed his senior year. Instead, he entered Law School at the University of Texas. After graduating in 1948, he joined the law firm of Davis, Clemens, Knight & Weiss in downtown San Antonio. He became a partner in 1957, and the name of the firm evolved to Clemens, Knight, Weiss & Spencer. In 1990, the firm still led by his son, George, became Clemens & Spencer.
A Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, he tried cases to jury verdicts in more than 30 counties throughout the state and argued before multiple state and federal appellate courts. George retired in 1998 after practicing law for 50 years. Among the honors he received were the Texas Center Professionalism Award (2000); the Joe Frazier Brown, Sr., Award of Excellence (2004); and the Ethical Life Award (2009). In 2012, he was recognized as the Outstanding 50 Year Lawyer by the Texas Bar Foundation.
He married Virginia Lamar Hornor (1924-2000) in 1950, and they raised three sons: George Hutchings Spencer, Jr., married to Polly Jackson Spencer; Lamar Radcliffe Spencer, married to Gayle Brennan Spencer; and John Cotton Spencer.
In addition to his children, he is survived by his sister Dorothy Traylor of Boerne and five grandchildren: Caroline Radcliffe Spencer of San Antonio; George Hutchings Spencer, III, of Philadelphia; Virginia Lamar Spencer Summers and her husband John Summers of Dallas; Katherine Conway Spencer and her husband Cameron Ladd of Austin; Warren Jackson Spencer of San Antonio; as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Good Samaritan Community Services or the charity of your choice.
A memorial service for George will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, the church in which he and Virginia were married, at 315 East Pecan Street.
Postcards from Barton Springs 