John Edward Spencer: 1920 – 2012
By Birmingham News

John Spencer died Nov. 22 in Birmingham, Ala.

Spencer was born in Palatka, Fla. on April 16, 1920 and moved to Birmingham in 1947. His survivors include his beloved wife of 64 years Emalyn, his children, John E. Spencer, Jr. (Katherine), Jane F. Spencer, Virginia Spencer Nall and four grandchildren, Kristen Spencer Fox (Phillip), John E. Spencer III, William Bradford Spencer, and Grey Manning Spencer. Spencer was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America as a youth and continued to serve in troop leadership in Mobile and Birmingham. He was an active member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder for 40 years and a Lay Minister of Pastoral Care and Visitation after his retirement from BellSouth. Spencer earned his Masters of Religious Education from Birmingham Theological Seminary while in his early 60s. He served his denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America, in many capacities as well as serving over 20 years as a member of the Board of Trustees of Covenant Theological Seminary in St Louis, MO.

John was never more fulfilled than when he was serving others. He loved his wife, his children, and grandchildren and took great delight in helping them in numerous ways. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 27, in the Bride’s Room of Briarwood Presbyterian Church at 11:00. A memorial service will follow in the sanctuary at 12:00. The service will be conducted by Dr. Frank M Barker, Jr., Dr. Harry L. Reeder, with Dr. Mark Cushman officiating. A graveside service will follow at Southern Heritage Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Briarwood Presbyterian Church or Covenant Theological Seminary, in St Louis, MO.

More information about John Spencer and his life will follow.

Scroll to Top