Henry Spence

MANSFIELD -- Henry Lee Spence passed away Friday, Oct. 29, 2010, from complications due to pneumonia. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Free Flight Society through the treasurer, Ted Hidinger, 26301 Buscador, Mission Viejo, Calif. 92692. or the American Heart Association. Henry was born Nov. 24, 1935, in Grapeland to Mose Henry and Verna Lee Spence. Henry Graduated from Grapeland High School in 1954 and had to make a difficult decision between becoming a minister or an aeronautical engineer. Deciding on the latter, he began college at Georgia Tech and graduated with a BS in aeronautical engineering. During his college days at Georgia Tech, Henry married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Doris, on June 23, 1956. He later received his master's degree from SMU and completed the Sloan Program for Senior Executives from MIT. Henry began his career at Convair/General Dynamics while still a student. He joined LTV in 1962 and retired in 1994 as vice president and general manager for military programs at Vought Aircraft Co. (formerly LTV). One of Henry's proudest career achievements was watching the first flight of the B-2 bomber. He was in charge of the design, development and production of the B-2 bomber from its conception. Henry's love of aviation began at early age with model airplanes. Building and flying free flight models became a lifelong passion. He competed in many national and international competitions. He was on three U.S. teams that competed in the World championships. In 1969, he placed third over all in the world championships in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. In September 2010, Henry won the United States team selection trials and would have competed for the fourth time as a member of the United States team at the world championships to take place in Argentina in May 2011, proving that he was still one of the top flyers in the world. In spite of all the time he spent with his work and hobbies, he always made time for his family. His wife, children and his grandchildren were most important to him. After he retired, he cherished the extra time that he had to spend with his family. His life was centered around his family and he always looked forward to the family being all together. Henry will be greatly missed by all. Survivors: Wife, Doris N. Spence; sister, Linda Cagle; son, Stephen L. Spence and wife, Starr; daughter, Susan L. Williams and husband, Daniel; grandsons, Michael, Jonathan and Evan; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Henry Spence please visit our Sympathy Store.