Thomas Morris Spencer, Jr.

A long-time leader in higher education in Arkansas, Dr. Thomas Morris Spencer, Jr., age 74, of Hot Springs died April 10, 2016. Born on July 25, 1941, in Llano, Texas, he was the son of Dr. Thomas Morris Spencer and Rachel Bradham Spencer of Houston, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Vera Sue Spencer. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dr. Gloria Lee (Blakeley) Spencer; his sons, Dr. Thomas Morris Spencer III (Melissa) of Charleston, Illinois and Blake Lee Spencer (Bonnie) of Raleigh, North Carolina; and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Dr. Betty Von-Mazewski (Von), Ann Bragg (Bob), Jo Reid, all of Texas; and five nieces and nephews. He was the first student of South Plains College in Levelland, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas. He later received a master's degree from Texas Tech University and at the age of 22 received his PhD from the University of Texas. After completing his doctorate, he served in administrative positions in North Carolina and Texas. In 1972, he was brought to Arkansas by Governor Dale Bumpers to play a major role in developing the state's community college system. After 18 years at the Arkansas Department of Higher Education which included roles as Deputy Director and Interim Director, he became president of East Arkansas Community College in 1990. He served as the president of National Park College in Hot Springs from 1994 until his retirement in 2005. He later served as Interim President at Rich Mountain Community College and Southeast Arkansas College. He would serve in many capacities as a volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America, the Salvation Army, and Rotary, International. He served as president of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional educators' organization, in 1985-1986. He also served on many education-related boards, including the Board of the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges and as Board Chairman of the Arkansas Association of Two Year Colleges. Active in his church, he served as Elder in Westminster Presbyterian Church in Hot Springs. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home Chapel, Hot Springs. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. on Friday, April 15, in the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Hot Springs with Rev. Chip Hatcher officiating. Interment will be in the Crestview Memorial Park Cemetery, Hot Springs. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity. Pallbearers will be Thomas Spencer, Blake Spencer, Michael Spencer, Justin Spencer, Tyler Spencer, Wolfgang Von-Mazewski and Bob Bragg. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.