Reverend Dr. George S. Spink 98, of Ashland passed from this life on Wednesday evening, January 28, 2026, at Brethren Care Village.
He was born on January 21, 1928, in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania the son of the late Reverend Harry N. and Adelaide (nee Till) Spink.
George graduated from Central High School in Philadelphia, Class of 1946. He proudly enlisted in the United States Coast Guard which was part of the Navy during WWII. Following his honorable discharge and from the assistance of the GI Bill of Rights, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Temple University in 1952. George entered the Reformed Episcopal Seminary and graduated. He later earned his master’s degree in theology from the Philadelphia Lutheran Theological Seminary and went on to earn his doctorate in Religious Studies from Temple University School of Religion in 1970.
He married the love of his life, the former Doris C. Schuman, in June of 1954. While in seminary, George was installed as head pastor at Mt. Hermon Church and served ten years, as well as Assistant Chaplain at Eastern State Penitentiary.
In 1965George and Doris would call Ashland home for the next 61 years when Dr. Klingensmith asked George to come teach at the Ashland College in the Bible Department. The Spink’s embraced small town living and raising their family. In 1973, George was chosen as one of the Outstanding Educators of America, nominated by fellow colleague and confidant, Dr. John Miller. In November of 1986 he received a Mentor Award nominated by one of his students, Robert Piovarch. George became the director of the Art/Humanities School from 1973 to 1977; and in 1975 assumed the responsibility of Religion Department Chair. He also taught courses in religion at the Ohio State Reformatory for 20 years from 1969-1989.
There was no doubt about it, George’s first love was teaching; and for 32 years, he fulfilled his life’s goal, retiring in 1995 from Ashland University. He believed teaching afforded him the personal gratification of seeing students grow and develop; and the gracious invitation to share with his colleagues in teaching and challenging students to grow in knowledge and personal potential.
George is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Mrs. Doris Spink of Ashland; three beautiful daughters, Carolyn D. (Ken) Brown of Ashland, Julie A. (Pete) Kinzer of Dublin, and Doreen L. (Eric) Weber of Prosper, Texas; and seven grandchildren, Kate (Jordan) Alt, Carter (Audra) Brown, Faith, Michael Kinzer, and Zachary, Nathan and Jacob Weber ;two great grand children, Eli and Carmen Alt
In addition to his parents, George is preceded in death by one brother, Harry (Mary) Spink.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Wellness Center at Brethren Care Village with Reverend Faith Proietti presiding. The Ashland Veterans Honor Guard will conduct full military honors. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Wellness Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the George Spink Annual Scholarship, in care of Ashland Theological Seminary, 910 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805. https://atsfound.org/donate/
For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com