Richard Roland ("Dick") Spore, Jr.'s Obituary
Richard Roland ("Dick") Spore, Jr., age 86, died peacefully on Monday, April 19, 2021 after a long illness. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee on December 14, 1934. He was active in the Boy Scouts under his scout leader and uncle, Miller Huckabee, becoming one of the youngest Eagle Scouts in the state for that time. He graduated from Humes High School, where he excelled in wrestling and football, earning All City honors as an offensive guard. He continued to play sports in college and was the captain of the football team at the University of the South at Sewanee. After graduating from Sewanee with a B.S. in physics, he served in the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant, working at the Air Force's nuclear facilities in New Mexico. After his military service was over, he returned with his family to Memphis and made his career in insurance for many years in southwestern Tennessee.
Always active, he enjoyed running, dancing, bird watching and sports of all kinds. He particularly enjoyed dancing and watching Memphis Tigers' basketball with his faithful long-time girlfriend, Betsy Boswell.
Despite enduring a severe bout of COVID last year, he never lost his trademark cheerfulness. He was always very appreciative of the kindness and care shown him by the staff at King's Daughter & Sons Home, where he resided at the time of his death.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Roland Spore, Sr. and Virginia Percer Spore, and his brother George W. Spore. He leaves behind a son, Richard Roland Spore, III (Patricia), a daughter, Stephanie Spore Davis (Robert), and two granddaughters, Caroline Spore and Rebekah Davis.
There will be a private graveside service for the family on Monday April 26, 2021 at 10:00 am at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the University of the South at Sewanee, c/o Sewanee Gifts, Thompson Union, 735 University Avenue, Sewanee, TN 37383, or the Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alzfdn.org.
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