Ivins, Utah - Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, George Washington Spencer passed away October 15, 2012 at his daughters home with his loving family by his side. He was born July 17, 1933 in Lees Ferry, Arizona to Isaac Carling Spencer and Sylvia Allred. He was the last person born in Lees Ferry. George spent his growing up years in Northern Mexico. He developed a great love for the Mexican people and loved to visit in Spanish when ever he had the chance. He married Melva Cox on February 14, 1958 in the St. George LDS Temple.

George spent his early years logging on Kiabab Mountain, riding the range with the Esplins and farming in Mexico. He worked at Boots Cox Diary and spent 27 years at Dixie High School. He loved horses and pigeons. He had a special breed of pigeons that one of his grandsons will continue to raise.

George was a devoted and loving husband. He always had Melvas best interest in mind and treated her with love and respect. They were married for 54 years and seldom spent time away from each other. He set the bar high for his sons and sons-in-law.

He was a wonderful father who was devoted to his family and worked long hours to provide for them. We took family trips every summer and had many camp outs. We will always cherish our time together as a family. We had a peaceful loving home where service and kindness were stressed.

George was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a strong testimony of the gospel and loved the Savior. He served in many church callings. One of his favorite was serving as a Spanish Branch President in Mexico for four years among the people that he loved. He and Melva served for two and a half years in "The Member Location Mission". His Spanish was greatly appreciated and desperately needed. Health problems prevented him from serving a third mission. George always set a righteous example for his children and grandchildren. One of the highlights of his life was being in the temple with all eight children, their spouses and some of the grandchildren. George was truly one of the special sons of God. It was a privilege to have him as a father.

George was a very kind loving person who never spoke ill of anyone. He suffered with many health problems during his life including Parkinsons and two bouts with cancer. Through his many illnesses he did not complain or question why.

George is survived by his wife, Melva; children: George (Daphne), Rita (Woody) Davidson, Teresa (Jeff) Jones, Stanley (Amy), Randall (Gina), Cynthia (Will) Craig, Marcia Bang and Derek (Holly); 32 grandchildren;11 great-grandchildren; brothers: Clarence, Derrel, Harold, Kenneth, Arnold and Rulon; and sisters: Lucy, Lillie and Emma. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Marden, Rulon Jay and Henry; and sisters: Nona and Ruthie.

The family would like to thank the staff from Hospice Alliance for their loving care and concern for him during the last weeks of his life.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Morningside LDS Stake Center, 881 South River Road, St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Wednesday evening, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd. and on Thursday, prior to services, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Stake Center. Interment will follow at the Ivins City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.