Richard Lee McSpadden, II – November 29, 2012


Richard Lee McSpadden, II, 93, of Amarillo died Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 3, 2012, in St. Paul Methodist Church with Rev. Steve Stephens, pastor, and Rev. Norman Grigsby officiating.  Arrangements are made by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
Richard “Dick” was born August 1, 1919 in Amarillo, Texas to Richard Lee and Nenia McSpadden.  He graduated from Amarillo High School in 1937 before attending and graduating from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering.  He married Betty Jane Parris on May 27, 1942, in Amarillo.  She preceded him in death after 51 years of marriage.  He married Nena Landers on May 23, 1994 in Amarillo and has been married to Nena for 18 years.
Upon graduation from Texas A&M in May of 1942, he served with the U.S. Army Fifth Armored Division from July 1942 to October 1945.  He was overseas for 15 months during the major European battles of World War II.  He was in England, France, Holland, Luxembourg, and Germany during those months.  He was promoted to a Captain and commanded a company of 7 officers and 200 enlisted men.   For the first 6 months in combat duty, his company received a meritorious service unit citation.  He was in 5 major campaigns and received a bronze star medal.
After the war, Dick moved back to Amarillo and became the owner-manager of the family business, Central Grocery.  He retired after 38 years of being owner-manager of Central Grocery and began another successful career as a realtor with Caldwell Banker.
Dick was a man of great pride and allegiance – his loves and passions included his family, his church, his many dear friends, and his Aggies.  He was devoted to his alma mater, Texas A&M and was a life member of Texas A&M Alumni Association.  Dick’s family came to Amarillo in the late 1800’s and he was born and raised in the Panhandle.  Dick loved this area and spent his life cherishing the glory of the land.  The Palo Duro Club was a special part of his life and his adventures there with family and friends brought him great joy.  The memories are rich for all who were blessed to share in those times.  He was a member of the American Business Club for most of his adult life and held various offices, including  president.  Dick was very active in his church affiliations attending St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church for 51 years and St. Paul Methodist Church for the past 18 years.  His favorite hobby was growing beautiful plants – his yard was always full of rich beauty.
Survivors include his wife, Nena; a son, Richard Lee McSpadden, Junior, and wife Madeleine of Lake Charles, Louisiana; a daughter, Evaline Jane Thompson, and husband Douglas of Amarillo, Texas; a daughter, Sara Faye Lee, and husband Charlton of Coppell, Texas; a stepdaughter, Beverly Moody, of Amarillo, Texas; a brother, William Andrew McSpadden, and wife, Blair of Port St. Lucie, Florida; 6 grandchildren; 1 step grandchild; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 step great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
The family suggests memorials be to the Maverick Club, 1923 South Lincoln Street, Amarillo, TX 79109.
The family will be at 3210 Hawthorne.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *