John Spencer

John William (Bill) Spencer, Jr., 74, of Colonial Heights, Virginia, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 2, 2016. Loving husband for 47 years of Lois Spencer; devoted father of son Scott Spencer of Colonial Heights, VA, daughter Julia Spencer and son-in-law Brian Majewski of Philadelphia, PA, son and daughter-in-law Christopher and Amy Spencer of Chester, VA; and adoring grandfather of Abbey, Emily, and Jackson also of Chester, VA. Born July 1, 1941, in Baltimore, MD, the only son of German immigrant father John (Hans) and mother Vivian Spencer, his parents and he lived in Baltimore, MD, Miami, FL, Washington, DC, and Bladensburg, MD, in his early years before the family settled in Arlington, VA in 1947. Even though he grew up in cities, Bill preferred the country life even as a young boy, cherishing the summers he spent with his Aunt Ruth in Buckingham County, VA. As an adult, Bill always enjoyed visiting his in-laws in rural southwestern Virginia, breathing the country air, and eating plenty of good country cooking. He loved to explore new places and one of his favorite pastimes was getting in the car and just driving. Bill and Lois logged thousands of miles on car-trip adventures over the years and enjoyed the journeys as much as the destinations. Bill was a military veteran, serving his country during and after the Vietnam War. He was a military police officer in the US Army from 1966 - 1968, earning the National Defense Service Medal. Between 1968 and 1972, he served as an U.S. Army reservist and a police officer in the Petersburg Police Department. He was tremendously proud of his public service, instilled that in his children, and had lifelong respect for those who wear a uniform. After leaving the police department, Bill began a long career with Philip Morris security division, working for the company from 1974 until he retired in 2005. Bill's career was but one part of his life. He was not a man who felt defined by his job and would want to be remembered more for his devotion to his wife, children, grandchildren, church, friends, and community. Bill will be remembered by all who were fortunate to know him as a good, honest man with a gentle and caring soul. Throughout his life, he exercised profound compassion for those who were vulnerable or hurting, whether a hungry child or an injured bird. He loved animals and spent many hours during his retirement feeding the backyard birds and squirrels and spoiling his many grand-dogs and cats. He was also an avid reader and loved to read who-dun-its. The family will accept visitors from 6:30 - 8:30pm on Monday, March 7, 2016, at the E. Alvin Small Funeral Home, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA. A celebration of Bill's life will take place at 10:00am on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at Highland United Methodist Church, 125 E. Westover Avenue, Colonial Heights, VA. Interment will be at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Amelia, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Highland United Methodist Church Backpack Blessings Fund or Apportionment Fund (804-526-3870), and SPCA of Petersburg and Colonial Heights, 201 Temple Avenue, Suite E, Colonial Heights, VA (804-526-7722).

Visitation Details

Monday, March 7th, 2016 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small

Service Information

Tuesday, March 8th, 2016 10:00am, Highland United Methodist Church

Interment Details

Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia