Dr. Spanjer was born in Hillside, N.J., and was the son of the late William H. and Tillie Vreeland Spanjer.&bsp;&bsp; He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Dr. Grace Ross Spanjer, who died in 2006, and by two brothers and four sisters.

Surviving are four sons, Dr. Richard F. Spanjer and his wife, Patricia, of Dalton, Ga., and their five children, Michael of Williamsburg, KY, Tim of Atlanta,Ga., Genevieve and her husband, Jarrad Wright of Washington D.C., Alex and Andrew of Dalton; Robert R. Spanjer and his wife, Gloria of Charlotte, N.C., and his two sons, David of New York, N.Y. and Eric of Matthews, N.C.; R. Allen Spanjer of New York, and R. Paul Spanjer of Eldorado Springs, Colo., and his sister, Ruth Leland of Rhode Island.

He graduated from New York Military Academy, where he participated in cross-country, wrestling and swimming. He received his B.A. degree in 1932 from Colgate University and received his doctor of osteopathy degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathy in 1936 and also graduated from New York University Medical School in 1940.&bsp;&bsp;

Dr. Spanjer practiced family medicine in Cedartown, Ga., for 33 years. He and his wife, Dr. Grace Spanjer, shared many treasured stories and memories of the families they served during those years and the friends they remembered.

After retirement, they resided in Sea Island, Ga., for 5 years; where he was doctor in residence and they taught ballroom dancing at The Cloisters. They lived in Dalton, Ga., for two years and Dunnellon, Fla., for 11 years; at which time he lectured on health education for seniors, wrote a medical column and worked with American Red Cross and American Cancer Society. He received an award in 1990 for Volunteer of the Year in Marion County, Fla.

They moved to Tryon Estates in Columbus in 1993, where he came known as &dquo;the runner&dquo; and in later years &dquo;the walker.&dquo; Dr. Ray always had a smile and kind word for everyone he met. He was the ultimate gentleman and will be remembered for his vitality, intelligence and generous nature.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Oak Bridge Terrace and special Home Health personnel for enriching the last two years of his life.&bsp;

Memorials may be made to Hospice of The Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, N.C. 28722

Burial will take place in Greenwood Cemetery, Cedartown, Ga., at a later date.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel of Tryon is in charge of arrangements.

‐ paid obituary

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