SPENCE, Robert H. "Bob" Robert H. "Bob" Spence, 85, of Atlanta, GA died Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Sunrise of East Cobb in Marietta, GA after several years of failing health. He was predeceased last year by his lifetime partner, Edwin Nystrom. Born in Atlanta, GA, son of Howell Cobb Spence and Katherine "Kittie" Haunson, he was a lifetime resident of Atlanta. Bob was a gifted musician and teacher. He received his Master's in Music from the Manhattan School of Music. Previously, he received a BFA degree from the University of Georgia, received First Prize in Piano from the Royal Flemish Conservatory in Antwerp, Belgium, and attended the Juilliard School of Music, New York. He taught music at Westminister School for 35 years and in 1974 was named a STAR Teacher. Bob often played at various venues in Atlanta, such as Theater of the Stars. Funeral services will be graveside at 2 PM, Saturday, September 26, at Decatur City Cemetery. HM Patterson and Son Canton Hill is in charge of arrangements.

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Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Sep. 23, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Spence

Sponsored by H.M. Patterson & Son-Canton Hill Chapel.

8 Entries

Noah

September 26, 2024

Bob was always such a warm and positive presence in the face of what were surely some very annoying teenagers! I'll never forget him hinting that the flat looks like "a certain letter" on one of the rare music quizzes we had. Thanks, Mr. Spence, for the tip, and I'm really sorry you had to spend so many years in the closet. You were always a light for everyone.

Thad Persons

September 28, 2020

I was fortunate enough to know Bob Spence both as a student and later as an adult. I'm grateful to share so many of the memories of Bob that have already been written about, with the common thread being Bob's kindness, grace, seemingly effortless talent (do you remember how he would change keys at a moment's notice?), and deliciously sly sense of humor. I remember walking into a restaurant where Bob was playing. We smiled at one another, and he seamlessly transitioned into a song from a show I was in 25 years before. Bob's music gave so many the confidence to shine against the larger backdrop of his humble brilliance. For this, and for the gift his life was to me and so many, I am deeply grateful. Play on, Bob!

Jay Pryor

September 25, 2020

My favorite memory of Mr. Spence was when the Westminster Ensemble was snowed in in New York City and Ensemble members gathered around the motel's piano in the lobby singing show tunes played by Mr. Spence. May he rest in peace. He leaves behind many great memories for many people!

Katherine Pryor Hoogerwerf

September 25, 2020

I was so blessed to be able to sing with Mr. Spence's accompaniment during high school. We who were able to sing with him knew his musicianship had no bounds. My favorite memory of him was when I auditioned for the Westminster Ensemble in my junior year. I was incredibly nervous and trying hard to keep my cool when Mr. Spence suddenly stopped. I had managed to skip several bars and while Mr. Spence had effortlessly kept up, my location had finally eluded him. He explained what had happened and I, ever grace under pressure, burst into laughter - and so did he.
I think of him when my sons practice piano, and while they may not be as musical as he was, I pray that they are as kind and funny.
He is deeply loved.

Katharine Solms Bryan

September 25, 2020

Mr. Spence was such a patient, gentle person. I was young when he accompanied our choir at Westminster, but I could never forget his smile and kind manner. He made us feel welcome and safe, and I love the memories I have with him.

Pam Elrod Huffman

September 25, 2020

Bob was my beloved colleague and friend during our time at The Westminster Schools. His unwavering kindness, generosity, and dedication to music were - and are - inspirations to me. He was the consummate gentleman, educator, and artist. I wish you could see all of the tributes being shared on Facebook by his former students. Their undying appreciation and love for this amazing soul are beyond words. I'm adding a photo of the two of us, taken right after I joined the Westminster faculty in 1992.

Nancy Ellis Riggs

September 24, 2020

I was a singer at Westminster, and Bob Spence played for me the whole time. He was a talented musician and a positive presence for all of us, with grace and a good sense of humor. I just came across an old (1973)Theatre of the Stars Playbill yesterday and saw him listed as Assistant Music Director. He last accompanied me at a Westminster Alumni Performing Arts evening, maybe 10-12 years ago and it was wonderful!

September 23, 2020

My condolences for your loss.

1Thess.4:14

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