George Spence

Niles George Scott Spence 69,died and hopefully has gone to join his mother and Frankie, Johnny and Beauregard and the many other dogs that were an important part of his life.

George was born November 17, 1947 to Jack and Gertrude Spence, who preceded him in death.

He started his teaching career as an orchestra and choir director for Buchanan Public Schools, but soon discovered autistic children who would become his calling.  In 1979, he was selected as National Teacher of the Year for Autistic Children.  The led to an opportunity to design and run a program for the Baltimore Maryland Public Schools, which earned him a very favorable reputation among the psychiatrists and neurologists at Johns Hopkins Hospital.  He took an early retirement and returned to Niles to help his family with diseases of old age. Then in 2005, he was afflicted with quadruple bypass surgery followed in a few years with neurological conditions.

He is survived by his brother and wife, Jack Spence, Jr. and SueAnn, by two nephews and by 5 grand nieces and nephews.  Burial has taken place at the family plot in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Three Oaks, Mi.  Anyone wishing to remember George is asked to send a donation to their favorite charity helping animals and/or people.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St. Niles.

Condolences may be made at www.halbritterwickens.com