Individual Details

Death

Obituary: Harry Lee Spell , passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of April 1, 2011 at the age of 84. Harry was born on a small farm on October 7, 1926, in Ridge, Louisiana, growing up in the midst of the depression with a large family of ten siblings.
After high school, he enlisted in the Army in 1946, and was given a most unique assignment working with the legendary scientist Wernher Von Braun on the early rocket development program at White Sands, New Mexico. His main task was computing the trajectory of the test rockets, although he claimed his greatest contribution was greeting the German scientist with a loud and clear "HOWDY" to help them become accustomed to living in America.
After the army, Harry attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana on the GI Bill, graduating with a B.S. in physics. He met his sweetheart, Bernice, living in nearby Crowley, Louisiana, and they were married in 1951 and moved to Lake Jackson, Texas, to settle and raise a family there.
Harry had a successful 34 year career as a Research Scientist with Dow Chemical, also receiving a M.S. in chemistry from Texas A&M as part of his continuing education. He eventually received the distinction of Senior Associate Scientist, working in polymer science and mass spectroscopy. Through his work, he co-authored over 20 journal and conference papers as well as ASTM standards. He was elected to head the local section of the American Chemical Society (ACS), and under his direction, with the assistance of national experts; he helped organize the first lab school for teachers to deal with drug abuse, receiving the "ACS Brazosport Award for Outstanding Scientific Achievement" in 1984 for this work. Other awards included the Vernon A. Stenger Award for "Meritorious Achievement in Analytical Science," and the Dow Texas Division "Life-Saving Recognition Award" for saving a choking colleague in 1983.
Harry was very active in the local community and church. For many years he served as president of the Lake Jackson Association (Lake Farms) helping establish best management strategies for maintaining the health of the Lake. This included collaboration with Texas A&M Wildlife and Fisheries trying to find a "green solution" to the lake weed and algae control using Triploid Grass Carp and Tilapia. For his service, he received a special recognition award for his "Outstanding Contributions" from the Lake Association. He was Methodist all his life and was active in the local churches Chapelwood and First United Methodist. He was also active in the early local Lion's Club.
Harry was an avid reader of physics and astronomy. From the time he was married he purchased a telescope, always upgrading every few years. This love of science influenced both his children and grandchildren, with many of them pursuing careers in the sciences and engineering.
In his later years, after retirement, Harry was best known for his gardening skills and seemed happiest with his hands in the dirt. He had a special gift with flowers and at one time was maintaining over 100 hybrid tea rose bushes producing at least three bouquets a week which he simply gave away to neighbors, friends, and family. He also was quite fond of day lilies, amaryllis, and angel trumpets, with numerous flower beds scattered throughout the yard. Harry also volunteered his gardening skills at Chapelwood Church, maintaining many of the landscape beds on the property and pastors residence.
Harry wished to personally thank the Brazosport Regional Health Center where he received exemplary care from the emergency room, ICU, and hospital staff, which he credits with saving his life during the early stage of his illness. The family would also like to express their gratitude to the staff at IPH Hospice Care, Inc. and Coastal Staff Relief, Inc. for their loving and compassionate care.
The family held a private lakeside service on Sunday April 3, 2011. A public memorial service will be held at a later date in Lake Jackson.
Harry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bernice, his three children and four grandchildren; Suzanne Courtney, husband Craig and daughter Chais, Michael Spell, wife Cathy and daughters Courtney and Kelsey, and Tony Spell and son Matthew. (Published in Houston Chronicle on April 3, 2011)