James R. “Rick” Spivey, Jr.

James R. "Rick" Spivey, Jr.
James R. “Rick” Spivey, Jr.

James R. Spivey, Jr., 32, of Corpus Christi lost his struggle with cancer on February 8, 2019.  Rick was born in Charlotte, NC on November 11, 1986 and spent his formative years in Rochester, Minnesota, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and LaGrange, Georgia.  He was a 2005 graduate of LaGrange High School where he excelled academically and as a member of the football and wrestling teams.  Rick had many proud memories of the great LaGrange High School State Championship football teams, on which he played as an offensive guard. He was named Offensive Lineman of the Year his junior and senior years.  Rick enrolled at Tulane University two days before Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans.  He ultimately transferred to Texas Tech University where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in mechanical engineering in December, 2012.  He then moved to Amarillo, Texas to become plant manager for the Elementis Corporation.  He was soon reunited with a former Texas Tech classmate from Amarillo, Renee Chancler, whom he married in 2016.  In 2017, Rick and Renee welcomed into the world the joy of their lives, their daughter, Raylee.  Together, they moved to Corpus Christi where Rick was promoted to the management team at the Corpus Christi Elementis Plant.   Despite many surgical procedures and treatment courses required in the eight years between his cancer diagnosis and his death, Rick became an honor graduate, successful plant manager, dedicated husband, father, and friend.

Rick is survived by his wife, Renee Nichole Spivey, his daughter, Raylee Jane Spivey, his parents, James Richard and Katie Long Spivey of Phoenix, Arizona, and his loving, younger brother, Joseph Spivey of Atlanta, Georgia.  Rick will be especially missed by his Amarillo family, Renee’s parents Kelly and Bonnie Chancler, who loved and treated Rick as a son, and Renee’s brothers Justin and Brandon and their families.  He was adored and will be missed by many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews in both families.  Rick also leaves his many devoted friends and former classmates in the Red Raider Network who unconditionally and unfailingly loved and supported him throughout his illness.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Shiao-Pei Weathers, Dr. Sherise Ferguson and the staff of MD Anderson Clinic and Hospital, including the many nurses and therapists who cared for Rick and Renee.

The funeral service for Rick will be held at the Paramount Baptist Church in Amarillo, TX, 3801 S. Western St. at 2:00 pm, Thursday, February 14 with Dr. Andrew Hebert officiating.  Burial will be in Llano Cemetery.  Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Visitation will be from 6-8 pm, Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home.

The family would like to encourage memorial contributions be sent to the James R. “Rick” Spivey, Jr., Memorial Scholarship at Texas Tech University  (http://donate.give2tech.com/?fid=IA000399, Rick Spivey Memorial Scholarship Fund).

7 Replies to “James R. “Rick” Spivey, Jr.”

  1. Thoughts & prayers to the family and friends of this young man. His dad, James was a classmate of mine in Hamburg, Arkansas 💜

  2. Lord Jesus I thank you so much for having allowed me the opportunity to coach Rick Spivey. Ironically his sophomore year he was a player who just did not seem to fit in at any position. When we moved him to the offensive line he found his niche. His work ethic made it impossible for me to keep him off the field. Not only did he start for two years, he was part of two state championships teams. I share this for this reason, Rick was my favorite offensive lineman to have ever coached, and that’s saying a lot because I’ve coached some great young men. He was my favorite because he was undersized and never made excuses. He was a leader confident in his own skin, an achiever. I hate the phrase overachiever because God created us all to be great. I wanted to share these words so that one day his daughter would know a little bit more about her daddy and how blessed his coach was to have had the opportunity to watch him grow and excelled. He was an example of what sports is all about. I will continue to keep Rachel and Raylee in my prayers and pray that godly people will shower this family with love and encouragement today and in the days to come. I know this trial hurts but my prayer too is that all involved are drawn closer to Christ and not further away. Rick, you will be missed, remembered, and loved. Once a Granger always a Granger! God bless! Coach David Pleasants Lagrange Ga! Amen and Amen!

  3. We remember when Rick was born and became such a joy for his parents Katie and James, and then so quickly followed by his sweet brother Joseph. They were all truly blessed by Rick. What a wonderful life he led! We are dreadfully sad to hear this news. We hope and pray for you all, his beautiful wife and baby, and all the rest of his loving families!
    Jane and John Pasquini, Charlotte NC
    “Never say in grief he is no more.
    But rather say in thankfulness, he was.”
    Alexander Pushkin, 19th c. Russian poet

  4. I had the honor and privilege of coaching Rick in high school. He brought so much love and leadership to the wrestling family and our personal family. We are all better people for knowing such a fine young man. You will truly be missed my friend. Love you always.
    Coach Weathers and

  5. I’m so sorry Renee. I have been and will continue praying for you and your beautiful daughter. I love you… Tonia

  6. We loved Rick so much, he brought so much joy to my family and his wrestling family in Lagrange Georgia. The world has lost such a precious gift.

  7. Rick was an amazing soul. He could always smile. I remember how he loved his dogs. He and Renee “babysat” our dogs once when we left town and I think the dogs came back more spilled than they were. I always enjoyed cigar time and I was hired to attend Rick and Renee’s beautiful wedding. Rest easy, Rick. I’ll see you again.

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