Obituary of Spencer Franklin Mulkey

In loving memory, we announce that Spencer Franklin Mulkey went to his Heavenly Home on May 6, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on May 18, 1945, in Greenwood, South Carolina, Spencer's journey was marked by love, music, service, and an enduring faith that inspired all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Spencer was the youngest child of James Monroe Mulkey and Eunice Evelyn (Thompson) Mulkey, who predeceased him along with his three siblings, Sara Evelyn (Mulkey) Cox, Mary "Pat" Patricia (Mulkey) Burton, and James Thompson Mulkey, his brother-in-law Carlton Cox, his sister-in-law Marcia (Chapman) (Mulkey) Berg, his sister-in-law Lorna Fike, and two nephews. He is survived by his cherished wife, Frances Ann (Fike) Mulkey, his brother-in-law Jack Burton, his brother-in-law David Fike (wife Renea), his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, two godsons and many close friends across the country.

Spencer and Frances lived a beautiful love story that spanned over 60 years, beginning with a first kiss in 1965 and culminating in a life of unwavering partnership and devotion. Married on August 10, 1968, in El Paso, Texas, they shared 57 years of marriage as soulmates and best friends, cherishing each moment together.

A man of remarkable intellect with a passion for beautiful music, Spencer ‘s love of singing grew as he became an outstanding high school musician, graduating from Bennett County High School, in Martin, South Dakota, in 1963, with a full music scholarship.  He trained in college as a classical tenor, studying vocal music at Black Hills State Collage, Pasadena College, and earning a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1972, graduating in the top 10% of his class. He earned a Master of Education Degree from West Texas State University in 1977.

Spencer's life and career were both a testament to his belief in the transformative power of music and education. From his early days singing solos in church at age nine, to his later work as a choir director, his voice touched hearts and inspired countless students. He led choirs to great acclaim, directed the El Paso Boy Choir alongside the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, and found joy in directing church and community choirs. He had successful tenures as music teacher and high school choir director in South Dakota and Texas, and high school principal and curriculum director for 2 school districts in Texas. After 20 years away from singing, Spencer returned to that love, adapting a more relaxed style, reminiscent of legends like Andy Williams, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra. As a result of his classical training, he had a remarkable range and vocal control that allowed him to perform an expanded repertoire. He released five albums and performed across the country in Virginia, Colorado, Arizona, Georgia, Texas, Maryland and the District of Columbia, often donating his talent to churches, charities and senior groups. One of his great joys was performing with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center as a member of the Choral Arts Society of Washington.

He was a man of many other talents, which he joyfully used to their fullest: figuring things out, and fixing or finding an answer to anything and everything, serving whenever he saw a need, and motivating others to reach higher goals.  He had an entrepreneurial spirit, owning businesses ranging from the Blue Spruce RV Park in Colorado to a bakery, donut shop, auto body shop and rental property in Texas. In Northern Virginia, he was a real estate agent while he renewed his singing career. His adaptability and zest for life were evident in every endeavor, as were his kindness, love for others, and his unwavering faith.

Spencer's love for the outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, golfing or enjoying sunset cruises with Frances on Lake Granbury, reflected his appreciation for life's beauty. His imposing 6'5" stature was matched only by his kind, gentle spirit and profound empathy. He was a deep, critical thinker with a quick wit and an easy confidence, who believed in living by example. Friends and loved ones remember him as a Renaissance Man, a beacon of integrity, a true gentleman, and a source of inspiration and motivation for all who crossed his path. Above all, Spencer’s life was guided by his personal commitment to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In his final days, Spencer faced metastatic melanoma with courage and grace, his faith in God unwavering. He lived and enjoyed life as fully as he could, savoring every day and everything he was able to do, continuing to make an impact on others and influence their life beliefs. As he transitioned peacefully to Heaven, his beloved Frances held his hand and played his recordings of his prayer, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand, Lead Me Home”, and his testimony, “It Is Well, With My Soul”. His voice filled the room with devotion and peace.

Frances extends heartfelt gratitude to Community Healthcare of Texas and to Harbor Lakes Nursing and Rehab for their compassionate care during Spencer's final month. In lieu of flowers, Spencer requested that donations go to Community Healthcare of Texas, a 501(c)(3) hospice organization, <chot.org/giving>, or to a charity of your choice. A public service is not scheduled at this time.

Spencer Franklin Mulkey's spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched, and his memory will be cherished forever. We find comfort in knowing he is now at peace with his Heavenly Father.