BENBROOK, Texas - Gary Spicer, 72, passed away Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Gary was born Aug. 27, 1937 and raised in Portsmouth. He was active in the Order of Demolay and a member of Cradock United Methodist Church. Gary graduated from Cradock High School in 1956. After several years with A&P, Gary enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a medical technician in military hospital ERs and clinics, a member of civic action teams in southeast Asia with the Air Commandos, and a crew member with Aeromedical Evacuation Squadrons in the U.S. and Europe. Gary retired in 1980 as a master sergeant. He was then employed with Brown and Root and OPI offshore as a medic and safety officer. Gary returned to Virginia to care for his elderly mother, Thelma Spicer, for several years before her death in 2005.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rosa Brown Small and Charles Pelham Small Sr.; his mother, Thelma Small Spicer; his father, Joseph Manuel Spicer Jr.; aunt, Mabel Small Wilson; and uncle, Charles Pelham Small Jr.

Survivors include wife of 46 years, Susan Lynne Spicer; daughter, Jennifer Johnson and husband Brian; grandchildren, Syndgen, Aislinn and Julianna; daughter, Beth Hollinger and husband Mark; grandchildren, Ryen (Allie), Kennedy and Ethan McKenzie-Hollinger; and cousin, Janice Wilson. A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Feb. 4 in Dallas- Fort Worth National Cemetery. Donations to Vietnam Veterans Association will be appreciated.