Tommy C. Spell

Thomas Clayton Spell
February 19, 1940 – December 26, 2024
Thomas (Tommy) Clayton Spell, 84, of Austin, TX, went home to be with Jesus on December 26, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer. Born on February 19, 1940, to the late Delma Jefferson Spell and Ozelma Virginia Spell, Tommy lived a life filled with love, joy, and adventure.
Tommy graduated from Travis High School in Austin, TX, in 1958 and proudly served in the United States Army Reserves for 10 years. He barbered for several years at Ford Villiage barbershop in South Austin after he studied for a year at Southwest Texas State University. In 1960, he married the love of his life, Joyce Adelle Spell, and they shared 64 wonderful years together, filled with laughter, devotion, and countless treasured memories.
Tommy found joy in snow skiing, water skiing, traveling, camping, tubing on the river, and singing in the church choir. Beyond these passions, however, he had a deep love for working with his hands. Tommy was a good and faithful servant throughout his life, always selflessly and tirelessly supporting his family, friends, and anyone in need. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, one that will forever remind those who knew him of his kindness and hard work.
An avid sports fan, Tommy never missed an opportunity to cheer on the University of Texas Longhorns. Even more than that, he was the biggest cheerleader for all his children and grandchildren, supporting them in every event, recital, and personal endeavor.
A devoted member of Woodlawn Baptist Church in Austin, TX, since 1953, Tommy faithfully served his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, throughout his life. As a young man, Tommy was baptized at Woodlawn and became deeply involved in the church's children's programs and wherever help was needed. At the time of his passing, he was honored as the church's oldest living charter member, a reflection of his steadfast faith and deep love for his community.
Tommy is survived by his beloved wife, Adelle Spell; his children, David Spell (wife, Cara) and Julie Thompson (husband, Todd); his cherished grandchildren: Derek Spell, Landon Spell (wife, Emily), and Abby Spell (partner, Heda Garcia); Mackenzie Harrington (partner, Bryce Kalsu); and Luke Harrington (partner, Alyn Hotho); and his great-grandchildren, Aria Spell and Grayson Garcia. He is also survived by his brother Stanley Spell and his sister, Sherri Del Spell.
A celebration of Tommy's life will be held at Woodlawn Baptist Church on Saturday, January 4th, at 1:00 PM. The church address is 4600 Menchaca Road, Austin, TX 78745. Family would like to invite you all to a celebration of life reception held at Woodlawn Baptist, following directly after the memorial service. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed online so that all friends and family can join in remembering his remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the "Finish the Race" fund for Woodlawn Baptist Church in Tommy's memory. More information can be found online at www.woodlawnbc.org/race.
Tommy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of love, faith, and adventure will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, a testament to a life well lived and deeply cherished.