William Hall Spencer IV

On Thursday, February 1, 2024 William Hall Spencer, IV passed away in Houston, Texas at the age of 61. Spence, the eldest of four siblings was born in Durham, North Carolina. He spent his childhood in San Francisco, CA, Diboll and Houston Texas.
He met his wife, Kathryn McDonnell while they were students at Vanderbilt University. After graduating in 1984, Spence and Kathryn enjoyed a life of adventure traveling extensively before Spence became a U.S. Foreign Service Officer in 1987. Spence held assignments abroad before settling down in Washington DC with his wife to raise their children Sam and Sarah.
Spence's career led him to Argentina, The Bahamas, the White House Situation Room, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Italy, Haiti, The Hague, Belgium, Turkey, Jordan, Afghanistan and finally Iraq, where he dedicated his passion for securing human rights. In 2007 he established the Institute for International Law and Human Rights to support the rule of law and judicial reform, advising the government on constitutional and legislative issues. Spence's work in Iraq as Executive Director of IILHR spanned 20 years deepening his affection for its people and culture.
Spence met all challenges with a unique sense of humor using his quick wit to enliven the moment and encourage participation. A lover of diplomacy even in his free time Spence volunteered to improve his beloved Palisades neighborhood in Washington, DC. He served as the Palisades Community Association president, chairman of the PCA's Fourth of July Parade and Picnic. He was the driving force and chairman of the PCA Farmers Market which he founded. Spence appreciated all that life had to offer — laughter, music, the arts, friendship, etc. — but also a desire to give back.
Survivors include his loving wife, Kathryn; his children Sam Spencer of Venice, CA and Sarah Spencer of Brooklyn, NY; his mother Charlotte Temple; his father and stepmother Dr. William H. and Ann Spencer; his sister Katherine and her husband Greg Zelazny; his brothers: Christopher, Arthur and his wife Claire; and his stepbrother Dr. J. Mark Mitchiner; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Spence's life will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 3 p.m. at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church and Day School, located at 4700 Whitehaven Parkway NW, Washington, DC 20007.
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