The Malakoff News
Thursday, January 8, 1931
THREE PROMINENT ATHENS CITIZENS DIE WITHIN WEEK
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From the Athens Daily Review the news is gathered of the death of three prominent citizens of Athens within the past week. The first of which was that of Mr. H. A. Justice, well known Henderson County attorney, who passed away at a Dallas hospital at 1:30 P.M. on January 1st, The second was that of Mr. George R. Davis, an old resident of Athens, who died at the family home in Athens on new years day at 3:15 P.M. And, the third is the death of the Hon. John A. Spencer, for the past six years Mayor of Athens, which occurred at 10:35 in an automobile accident about 4 miles north of Athens.

Mr. Justice was 49 years of age at the time of his death and has resided in Henderson county since early boyhood. Following his early schooling in the rural communities, he took up the study of law in the higher institutions of learning and was admitted to the Bar in 1915. He was elected to the office of County Attorney in election of 1920 and served in this capacity for two terms. He later served as representative from this county. Funeral services were held from the family home in Athens on Friday afternoon. Interment in the Athens cemetery.

George R. Davis at the time of his passing, was one of the oldest citizens of the county. He was born July 8, 1858 and lived his entire life in the county. He was a frequent contributor to the Review columns, writing under the name "Sivad", Sivad was Davis spelled backwards. He was connected with politics more or less during his life, but only in late years did he seek office. He served two terms as county commissioner of precinct one and in the last election was an un successful candidate for the office of county judge. Funeral services were held from the Christian Church at Athens Friday afternoon. Interment in the Athens cemetery.

John A. Spencer mayor of Athens for the past six years and a prominent figure in the cotton industry of East Texas, met a tragic death in an automobile accident on the highway north of Athens at 10:35 Saturday morning. He was alone in his small coupe at the time and it is thought that the accident resulted from a default in the car.

The wreck was first discovered by W. C. Richards, of Athens. The wrecked coupe had left the road and crashed into a large tree. Mr. Richards stopped to investigate and found that the mayor had been thrown violently from the machine. His head was on the ground and his feet in the seat of the car. When found Mr. Spencer was gasping for breath, but was unconscious. Examination showed that his neck was broken and there were several gashes about his head. He died before reaching Athens. Funeral services were held from the family residence at 3:00 o'clock Sunday afternoon. His remains were laid to rest in the Athens cemetery.

Obituaries Henderson County Texas

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