Psalms 118:24

This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Glen Spencer Senters Ill, affectionately known as Spence, packed a lot of life and fun into his 51 years. He took God's hand on October 14, 2024. Born on September 5, 1973, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Elaine Cork and Spencer Senters, Jr.

Spence's early years were filled with joy and adventure. He attended Burkes Chapel Preschool and Middle Valley Elementary before moving with his family to Wilmington, Delaware, in 1980 due to his father's transfer with E. I. DuPont. Spence's days were filled with soccer, baseball, peewee football, and testing teachers in the Brandywine school district. He loved sledding with neighborhood kids, playing in the snow with his bossy sister, Allison, and cousin, Hilary. Crossing the creek in the backyard, walking through the woods to Mr. Pizza for lunch, and visiting Acme Grocery for baseball cards were highlights of any Saturday afternoon. He cherished his time in Indian Guides with his dad and earning badges in Cub Scouts.

Fearless and adventurous, Spence was once lost at the annual Point-to-Point Steeplechase, races at Winterthur Museum in Wilmington. He was later found having the time of his life with 'Secret Service' agents and meeting President Reagan's press secretary, James Brady. His mom was asked to wait until the visit was over!

In 1984, the family relocated to Kingwood, TX, where they joined Forest Cove Baptist Church. Spence was baptized in August 1986 after making his decision at church camp. He made friends at Greentree Elementary, Creekwood Middle, and Kingwood High School, graduating in 1992. He treasured memories of front yard football, biking through the woods to fish, camping in any yard with other boys, the many adventures at Caney Creek and dancing at Wilson Road Hall in Humble. He even had more interactions with the Secret Service, breaking the line to introduce himself to George H. W. Bush at a golf tournament.

Spence attended Blinn College, Stephen F. Austin University, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. His love and devotion to the state of Tennessee and the Tennessee Volunteers were insurmountable. He loved discussing wins, coaches, and stats with the Moore Family in Knoxville, always cheering and toasting Rocky Top touchdowns!

Spence held various construction and sales jobs and spent several years wrestling, which took him to many cities across the southeast. He always stayed in touch with old friends, sharing many laughs.

In 2007, life changed when he left Chattanooga and returned to Texas to be closer to his nephew, Parker Tinkham. Parker and 'Big Bear' became best friends and the true joy of his life. Spence encouraged Parker to love and learn about God, be strong, always play rough, be brave, and look for adventure everywhere.

He discovered his true calling in the New Caney School District, working with special needs children. Spence was a natural fit, guiding, caring, loving, and laughing with the students. Sometimes, just giving a simple smile and offering a hand to take a walk and listen. He encouraged and praised "his kids," as he affectionately called them, sometimes bending the rules but always participating with his whole heart to make a difference in their lives.

His favorite verse was Psalms 118:24. This was also a cherished favorite of his grandmother, Marie "Mom" Cork. Spence will be laid to rest beside her and his grandfather, Clarence "Gran" Cork, in Birmingham, Alabama.

Spence was preceded in death by his father, Glen Spencer Senters, Jr., in July 2023; his grandmother, Betty Senters; and his grandfather, Glen Spencer Senters, Sr. He is survived by his mother, Elaine Cork Senters; his sister, Allison Senters Tinkham; his brother-in-law, Steve Tinkham; and his beloved nephew, Parker Tinkham, all of Kingwood, TX, along with many friends, cousins, and aunts. Big Bear, we love you, miss you, and look forward to seeing you again. VFL.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 7, at 11:00am in the sanctuary, with a reception following service at Kingwood Methodist Church, 1799 Woodland Hills Dr, KW, TX 77339.

Dress comfortably, ties optional, orange attire appreciated.

If you would like to honor Spence's memory, in lieu of flowers, his family is suggesting contributions be made to your favorite charity or one of the following chosen by his family:

FACES (Foundation for Autism Care, Education and Services)

P. 0 Box 13121 Louetta Rd. #1360

Cypress, TX 77429

{281-757-6750}

Autism Rescue Angels 27 Hollinger Island

Katy, TX 77450

(281-797-7741)