William Hall "Spence" Spencer Iv

William Hall “Spence” Spencer, IV, 61, Executive Director of Institute of International Law and Human Rights passed away Thursday, February 1, 2024.

Spence devoted himself to the advocacy of human rights both at home and abroad. Born in Durham, North Carolina to Dr. William “Bill” Spencer and Charlotte Temple, Spence spent his childhood in North Carolina, Texas, and California. He graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1984 where he met his wife, Kathryn McDonnell. After joining the Foreign Service in 1987, Spence and Kathryn were stationed abroad in Argentina and the Bahamas.

Eventually, they settled in Washington DC to raise their children, Sam and Sarah.

Spence’s intense interest in international affairs led him to the White House Situation Room, Europe and eventually the Middle East where he found his calling in human rights law. Spence’s dedication to pluralism and inclusivity in Iraq prompted him to establish The Institute for International Law and Human Rights in 2007. Spence always stressed the importance of cultural diversity and providing a voice to underrepresented people, all while recognizing the difficulties associated with those goals.

Spence’s dedication to bettering the lives of others also extended to his time in Diboll, Texas and to his adopted home of Washington, DC through his involvement with local causes. He served as a board member of the TLL Temple Foundation advocating for innovative solutions to support rural East Texas through the legacy of his late grandfather, Arthur Temple Jr. In Washington DC, he was a community leader dedicated to the improvement of his beloved neighborhood of The Palisades, serving as Palisades Community Association President for over ten years.

Spence met all challenges with a unique sense of humor and a passion to serve others. His vivacious personality, quick wit, love of music, and commitment to others will be missed by all who knew him both at home and abroad.

Survivors include his wife, Kathryn McDonnell Spencer, of Washington, DC. His children, Sam Spencer of Los Angeles, CA, and Sarah Hope Spencer of Brooklyn, NY. His parents, Charlotte Temple of St. Helena, CA, Dr. William H. Spencer and Ann Spencer of Raleigh, NC. His siblings, Christopher Spencer of Guerneville, CA, Katherine Sage Spencer Zelazny of St. Helena, CA, Arthur Spencer of Pope Valley, CA; stepbrother, Dr. J. Mark Mitchiner of Sumter, SC; and many extended relatives and close friends.

Memorial services for Spence Spencer were held Saturday, February 10, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, Lufkin, Texas at 2:00 pm. A family burial service was held in Diboll, Texas.

Memorial services celebrating Spence in Washington, DC will be held Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church and Day School, 4700 Whitehaven Parkway NW, Washington, DC.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Spence with a tax-deductible contribution to Communities Unlimited. Donate at this link: https://communitiesu.org/tll-temple-in-memoriam/

Spence served on the board of the T.L.L. Temple Foundation which partners with Communities Unlimited to improve broadband connectivity across East Texas https://communitiesu.org/broadband/

Memories  and   condolences        may  be     added        at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.