Charles Richardson, Carlene Spicer Honored with Altom Christian Service Awards

May 23, 2016 Linnea Kirgan

(Abilene, Texas) Hardin-Simmons University presented Altom Christian Service Awards for Outstanding and Exemplary Christian Service to two individuals, Carlene Spicer and Charles Richardson, on Sunday.

Spicer and Richardson received the awards May 22 from HSU President Dr. Lanny Hall at a reception held at HSU’s Connally Missions Center. All recipients of the Altom awards have plaques displayed at Moody Center.

Richardson lived most of his life in Abilene, but also resided in Mesquite and Duncanville, Texas, and in Raleigh, North Carolina. Richardson resigned his post as Director of Media Relations at Hardin-Simmons in 2005 after 30 years. Prior to joining HSU staff as Director of Public Information, he served as staff writer, religion editor, and state and Sunday editor at the Abilene Reporter-News.

After graduating from Brownwood High School, he earned a Bachelor’s degree from Howard Payne in 1958, a Master’s degree from Hardin-Simmons in 1971, and a Master of Science degree from Texas A&M University- Commerce (formerly East Texas State University) in 1977.  He served two years in US Army and also served as an information specialist in the military.

He is a graduate of the Southern Baptist Seminary External Education division. He served as assistant editor of the Baptist Standard in Dallas and worked at the Biblical Reporter in North Carolina. He was also press representative for the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Richardson has garnered many awards in his career including staff member of the year and former staff member of the year at HSU. He has also been very active in many community groups.

“Throughout his life, Charles has quietly demonstrated his love for the Lord and has been involved with Christian service to others,” said Hall. “However, it’s been during his retirement years that he’s used much of his free time to serve others. That has really impressed me and is a good example to us all.”

Richardson often prays for others through the First Baptist Church prayer ministry, taking the time to send postcards to those for whom he prays. He has served as chaplain for the HSU police department the Abilene Police Department, and the Abilene Regional Medical Center.

Upon accepting his award, Richardson said, “I am grateful for Dr. Hall for this award. I want to thank each one of you today. My words are not adequate. Thank you so much and blessings on each one of you.”

After graduating from Cisco High School, Spicer attended Cisco Junior College then attended HSU where she majored in music and English. She also served as a teacher in Arlington and Abilene. After her marriage to Charles Spicer, she served as an active wife and mother as well as a serving her community both civically and in her church.

She earned her Master of Arts in English degree from Hardin-Simmons in 1991. She then served as an adjunct instructor at Cisco Junior College before joining the Hardin-Simmons faculty full-time in 1992. She was active on many Hardin-Simmons committees and served as sponsor of the Sigma Alpha social club before her retirement in 1999.

At First Baptist Church, she teaches an adult Sunday School Class, heads the bereavement food ministry, and is deacon on inactive status. She serves on the academic foundation and the Alumni Association Board of Directors. She’s also active in other community organizations.

“I’m sure the number of meals served under her leadership would stagger the mind,” said Hall of the bereavement food ministry. “This is a very meaningful ministry.”

Spicer also leads a significant prayer network using her computer, her phone, and her communications network. The ministry known as “Carlene’s Prayer List” includes some 400 and reaches around the globe.

Upon receiving her award, Spicer said she was humbled by the honor.

“I love what I do,” she said. 

Share:
Share: