John Lee Spence III

1929 - 2018

John Lee Spence III obituary, 1929-2018, Los Angeles, CA

John Spence Obituary

July 16, 1929 - May 23, 2018 Husband, father, grandfather, television executive, public servant, we mourn the passing of John. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, John became a Californian while pursuing his dream of working in radio and television. He attended USC where he completed his undergraduate degree in 1951 and graduate studies in 1955. John was a loyal USC alumnus and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer for his beloved Trojan football team. His professional dreams came true when he started at NBC. Over the course of his 42-year career, John worked on many shows including Welcome Back Kotter, The Huntley Brinkley Report, The Flip Wilson Show, and many specials featuring Frank Sinatra, Debbie Reynolds, Fred Astaire and countless others. John's dedication to career carried over into public service. From a young age, John donated his time and talents. President of the prestigious DeMolay Club in Little Rock, John also served on the school board, headed up the Christmas Committee, and served as Mayor of Hastings Ranch as well as devoting 40 years of service to the Tournament of Roses. Moving to Westlake Village in 1971, John focused on family and was always available and supportive. In Westlake, John served as a Deacon at his church, volunteered at Los Robles Hospital, the Manna Food Bank, and for 24 years at the Reagan Library. John is remembered for his smile, his upbeat attitude, and for being a gentle-man. A gentleman from the south who became a Californian touched all who knew him. He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Sherry, his three children: Bill, John, and Wendy, their partners and spouses: Kara, Robin, and Vinny, as well as his five adoring grandchildren: John Lee V, Kristen, Nicholas, AJ, and Gianna. John will be remembered for his kindness, honesty, quiet courage, public service and friendship. John's life will be honored Monday, July 16, 2018 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 32111 Watergate Road, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Jul. 13, 2018.
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2 Entries

Kraig Knutson

August 2, 2018

John was the best of the best. We loved him too.
Paula and Doug

July 15, 2018

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