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W.R. Pence Obituary
1932-2021
William R. "Corky" Pence, age 89, of Houston, passed away September 18, 2021. He was born June 23, 1932 in Brady, Texas to William R. Pence Sr. and Sadie Davis Pence. He graduated in 1949 from Brady High School and earned a degree in Agriculture Education from Texas A&M College, Class of '55. He married the former Bonna Jean Nance, on September 7, 1957 in Brady and lived in Virginia and New Orleans while serving in active duty with the U S Army. He continued in the Army Reserves after settling in Houston in 1962 and retired as a Lt. Col. after 18 years of service.
Corky earned a MEd in 1965 and EdD in 1976 from the University of Houston. He was a teacher and principal in the Spring Branch area and then served as an Asst Superintendent for the Cy-Fair ISD for 24 years. Upon retirement, he became involved as a volunteer with the Texas Retired Teachers Association, serving in local, District and State leadership positions and was awarded the E.L. Galyean Service Award by TRTA in 2018. He offered to help with his son's baseball team in 1966 which began a volunteer career with the Spring Branch Memorial Sports Association for more than 20 years, serving as a baseball and football coach, commissioner, Board Member and President. The sports field complex at Landrum Junior High was named the "W.R. "Corky" Pence Field" in his honor in 1973. He was a faithful member of the Memorial Church of Christ for almost 60 years, serving as a deacon for many decades.
He is survived by son Alan Pence (Kathy) of Houston, daughters Cheryl Pence Bartlett (Steve) of Nacogdoches, Nancy Pence of Houston and Karen Pence Shumate (Scott) of Bullard; eleven grandchildren, Sarah Bartlett Jones (Andrew) and Sam Bartlett (Jenny) of Nacogdoches, Stephanie Bartlett Ryon (Brent) and Rachel Shumate of College Station, Alex Pence, Emily Pence Harding (Tucker) , Erin Pence Freeman (Shawn), Michelle Tesarek Breen (James) and Allison Tesarek Dingle (Jacob), all of Houston, Daniel Shumate (Ashley) of Fort Worth and Katy Shumate Tomlin (Billy) of Tyler; and nine great-grandchildren.
Memorial services are pending at this time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for W.R. Pence
Sponsored by Family First Cremation Services.
4 Entries
Bob A. Pence
November 26, 2023
I´m sorry for y´all´s Loss. I´m Bob Pence and I happened upon Mr. Pences obit. He´s related to me but I never had any idea that he was family. William Reily Pence from Pennsylvania and California who came to Texas in 1880 was my great grandfather and William Burton Pence was my grandfather. I´m so glad I discovered Mr. Pence although a little late. May he rest in peace. An accomplished man by any standard. He carried the Pence name admirably.
Patti Faulkner/CyFARE & District IV
October 13, 2021
I met Corky the first time I attended the CyFARE meeting,
and we remained good friends throughout his attendance with our local, district, and state meetings.
I thought he was such a wonderful man, and I know he deserved all the various accolades that he received. There is no doubt that he will be very missed by his friends, co-workers, and especially the family members.
Dianne Scott Meyer
October 7, 2021
What a fine man and educational leader Corky Pence was. Thank heaven for his life! I was honored to work with him and wish you all the blessings of great memories of your beloved father and grandfather. May his ever aftering be filled with the joy of his faithful service to his savior.
"B" Zimmer, TRTA
October 1, 2021
Your work with TRTA is deeply appreciated! You will be missed.
May you Rest In Peace
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