Years as President: 1973–1985
Birth Date: 28 March 1895
Death Date: 5 November 1985
Born on 28 March 1895 in Salt Lake City, Spencer Wooley Kimball grew up in Thatcher, Arizona. After completing a mission and marrying Camilla Eyring, he settled in Safford, Arizona, to raise his family and run an insurance business. He was called as an apostle in 1943, and after overcoming severe health problems, he became Church president on 30 December 1973 at the age of 78. He led the Church with energetic determination during a period of dramatic vitality and growth. In the 12 years of his presidency, the number of operating temples doubled, the number of missionaries increased by 50 percent and the priesthood was extended to all worthy male members. He died in Salt Lake City on 5 November 1985.
