Horace Lee Fletcher, Jr., born March 6, 1934 at 2:38PM to Horace Lee Fletcher, Sr. and Frances Walser Fletcher in Austin, Tx., celebrated two birthdays this year as he entered heaven’s gates on his earthly birthday at 1:35PM at the age of 83.
He was raised by his grandparents, Viola and Ben Walser, on their farm in Smithville until his teenage years when they moved to Austin where he graduated from Austin High School in 1951. Horace enrolled as a med student at the University of Texas before he married the love of his life, Fay Maxine Spradling. They met and then were married at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church on March 27, 1954 by Brother A.D. Eberhart.
Horace worked for the Cross Allen Company for many years, which moved his young family, Fay and first three children, to Del Rio, Texas in 1961. He later ran the machine shop for Winn Auto Parts. The family added three more children born in Del Rio. They then moved to Abilene with the Dr. Pepper- Pepsi Cola Distributing Co. before he was recruited to run the service department at Hanner Chevrolet in Baird, Tx. They returned to the Austin area to be near family in 1987.
Horace had great respect and appreciation for law enforcement and helped form the first reserve deputy unit for Val Verde County. He later worked for a private Security Company after they returned to Austin and then started his own auto consulting and repair business before settling in Buda. After retiring from automotive work he worked for United Apartment Group until he retired at the age of 80.
Horace enjoyed being actively involved in his community. He served on the Buda Historical Committee, was an active member and deacon of First Baptist Church Buda where he served for fifteen years, and was currently serving on the Board of Directors at the Onion Creek Senior Citizen Center.
His father, mother, brother, and one grandson, Justin Robert Fletcher, preceded him in death as well as son-in-law, Harry Montague.
He is survived by his wife of sixty- three years, Fay, his six children, Maxine Montague of New Braunfels; Debbie Koehler, husband Ken of Buda; Robert Fletcher of New Braunfels; Sheila Carmon, husband Curtis of San Antonio; Donnie Fletcher, wife Allison of Nashville, TN; and Shelly Settles, husband Tim of San Antonio; plus thirteen grandchildren with 4 spouses, and nine great-grandchildren. Jeanette Larson Stewart grew up with the Fletcher family and called Horace “Daddy2”. Grandpa, Grampy, Pa, Pee-Paw, and Daddy 2 will always be loved and missed.
Visitation was Friday, March 10th at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle. Services were held Saturday, March 11th at First Baptist Church, Buda.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Together We Build Fund at First Baptist Church Buda. 104 S. San Marcos St., Buda, Texas, 78610.
