Francis B. Spaulding

F.B. Spaulding

AVOCA – Francis Brown Spaulding, age 89, went home to his Lord, Wednesday, July 28th, at the Steuben County Health Care Facility after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Francis was born November 4, 1920 in Banquo, Indiana to Homer Robert Spaulding and Florence Carver Spaulding. He graduated from high school in Clearwater Florida. After military service, he completed his education with a Bachelors and Masters of Arts from Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC. He received his NY teaching credentials after studying education at Alfred University.

During World War II, F.B. served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theater safely flying 35 missions over Japan as a B29 Bombardier. He retired from the Air Force Reserves as a Major.

Francis worked as a pastor in Potter and Tioga Counties PA, and as an educator, teaching New Testament Greek at Bob Jones University, in the 50’s and junior high English at Avoca Central School in the 60’s.

On Sept.3, 1944, Francis married Dorothy Verne Smith in McCook Nebraska. They have three children, Robert Spaulding of Lutz, Florida, Nancy Spaulding (Andy Beecher) of Beaverton, Oregon, and Marilee Spaulding of Avoca. He is survived by his wife, children, two grandsons and their families including two great grandsons: Douglas (Kristin) Spaulding of Berlin, New Jersey and their son Douglas, and Mark (Maria) Spaulding of Lynchburg, Virginia and their son Ty.

Francis was predeceased by his parents and two older sisters Margaret Alice Cree of Arizona and Florence Stella Spaulding of Avoca.

Calling hours are from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Sunday, August 1st at the Avoca Baptist Church, 1 Church St.,Avoca, where a funeral service will take place following calling hours at 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Interment will be in Valley View Cemetery, Avoca.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his name to Family Life Ministries, 7634 Campbell Creek Road, Bath NY 14810.

Arrangements are with the Avoca Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., Avoca.