Fred Junior Spencer's Obituary
Fred J. Spencer passed away on October 25, 2014 in Richardson, Texas, at the age of 83. Fred was born in Niotaze, Kansas, and grew up in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. In his family life, professional career and community involvement, his contributions were notable and far-reaching. While serving in the United States Air Force, Strategic Air Command, 509th Bomb Wing, from 1950 to 1954, Fred developed an interest in electronics. After his military service, he attended Oklahoma State University, where he received a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1958. Fred’s first job after graduation was with Collins Radio, which at that time had a new production site in Dallas. While with Collins he earned a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Southern Methodist University. When Collins relocated in 1959, Fred and his family moved to Richardson, where he would have a distinguished career at the company, by then a unit of Rockwell International, until his retirement in 1987. During his career, Fred worked on the communications system for Air Force One and developed a method to unreel a five-mile antenna from a plane, which provided communication with nuclear submarines and enabled the U.S. to respond immediately to threats. In the early 1970s, Fred was elected to the board of directors of Collins Credit Union, now called ViewPoint Bank. Fred was also elected to the board of directors of Richardson Medical Center in 1981, and became Chairman of the hospital’s board in 1989. Even in retirement, Fred was as busy as ever, serving on the hospital and credit union boards, and as co-owner of Garland, Texas-based Phoenix Manufacturing, Inc. Fred was actively involved in the lives of his family, whose accomplishments made him incredibly proud. Fred and his wife Carolyn were members of The Heights Baptist Church in Richardson. They were also longtime members of Canyon Creek Country Club, where Fred was an avid golfer and card player. Fred is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 63 years, Carolyn Spencer; daughter Janet Miller and husband Dave of Garland; daughter Susan Fiorelli and husband Dave of Coppell, Texas; five grandchildren and one great grandson – Matt Miller, wife Erin and their son Benjamin, Brett Miller, Brenna Palmer, Michael Palmer and Mitchell Fiorelli. Fred lived life to its fullest. He and his family have a favorite motto – “Life is good.” For Fred Spencer, Life was good. A memorial service for Fred Spencer will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, November 1, 2014, in The Memorial Chapel at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Retina Foundation of the Southwest, 9600 N. Central Expressway, Suite 200, Dallas,Texas 75231 or http://www.retinafoundation.org/donate “I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.”
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