[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 119 (Friday, July 21, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1497]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         HONORING RALPH SPENCE

                                 ______


                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 21, 1995
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding east Texan, Ralph Spence of Tyler, TX, who died recently at 
the age of 76. Ralph Spence was one of those extraordinary individuals 
who was successful in so many areas of his life. He devoted his 
energies to a variety of worthy causes in east Texas and beyond, and 
his presence will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.
  Born January 4, 1919, in Yorktown, Ralph lived in Tyler most of his 
life. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and 
participated in the invasions of Normandy, southern France, Okinawa, 
and the Philippines. He was an independent oil operator in Tyler who 
contributed to the discovery of several oil fields. He served as vice 
president of the Independent Petroleum Association of America, served 
on the IPAA executive committee and founded the Tyler Petroleum Club.
  Ralph Spence was actively involved in his community. He was director 
of the former Citizens First National Bank, a life member and past 
chairman of the Salvation Army Board, past president of the Texas Rose 
Festival and Order of the Rose, president of the East Texas Symphony 
Association, past president of Robert E. Lee High School Parent 
Teachers Association, director of the East Texas Hospital Foundation, 
and past member and vice chairman of the Federal Bi-Racial Committee. 
He
 originated the Eisenhower International Golf Classic in Tyler and 
assisted in fundraising for the Tyler-Smith County Public Library.

  Ralph also devoted countless hours on behalf of higher education. He 
was chairman of the development board of the University of Texas at 
Tyler and was the only man to serve on five University of Texas 
development boards--University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas 
at Tyler, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, College of 
Business Administration at the University of Texas at Austin, and the 
University of Texas Health Center at Tyler. As chairman of the 
University of Texas Chancellor's Council, he completed the acquisition 
of the Gutenberg Bible for the university. He received many awards and 
honors, including life membership in the Texas Congress of PTA, a 
public service award from Texas College in Tyler, the Pioneer Award 
from the East Texas Association of Petroleum Landmen, and community 
service award as chairman of Earl Campbell Day. He received the 
distinguished alumnus award from the University of Texas Ex-Students' 
Association Administration and from the University of Texas College of 
Business Administration, was named ``The Centennial Dad'' by the 
University of Texas Dad's Association and was appointed to the Texas 
College Coordinating Board. He also was listed in Men of Achievement in 
Texas.
  An active member of Christ Episcopal Church, Ralph Spence held 
numerous lay positions in the church and was named lifetime vestry 
member. He was elected by the Diocese of Texas to serve as deputy or 
alternate to the general convention for 30 years and was elected by the 
general convention to the executive council of the National Church. He 
was a member of the executive board of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas 
and a representative to the Diocesan Council for 40 years.
  Ralph is survived by his wife, Mary John Spence of Tyler; one son and 
daughter-in-law, Ralph Spence, Jr., and Tancy of Billings, MT; two 
daughters and sons-in-law, Louise and Guy Griffeth of Dallas and Judy 
and Charles Tate of Houston; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles 
and Carolyn Spence of Raymondville and Pat and Judy Spence of Tyler; 
nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
  Mr. Speaker, our lives are enriched by citizens like Ralph Spence, 
who devote their time and energies to our communities, churches and 
schools. One of the benefits of being a Member of Congress is that you 
meet and get to know the Ralph Spences of the world--people who really 
care and really help others--who really love and are loved. There is no 
way to measure the good Ralph Spence did during his lifetime--and he 
will be missed. As we adjourn today, I join his family and many friends 
in paying our last respect to this exemplary citizen. His legacy will 
be felt for generations to come.


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