Ralph Spence, prominent layperson of the Episcopal Church, died June 24 in Houston, TX, at the age of 76.

Mr. Spence was born in Yorktown, TX. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was an active member of Christ Church, Tyler, TX, as senior warden, junior warden, and longtime vestry member. He was deputy and/or alternate to General Convention for 30 years and a representative to the Texas diocesan council for 40 years. He was also elected to the national Executive Council and the executive board of the Diocese of Texas. Mr. Spence was director of former Citizens First National Bank and was an independent oil operator. He is survived by his wife, Mary, a son, two daughters, two brothers, nine grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.