Reverend William R. Spencer, Sr.

Reverend William R. Spencer, Sr., age 78 of Welch, WV, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at his son’s, Dr. William R. Spencer, Jr.’s, home in Centerport, NY, following a brief illness. Rev. Spencer was born in Eckman, WV, on October 15, 1945, to the late Robert Lee Spencer and Nannie Beatrice Matthews Spencer. He is survived by his three children, Dr. William R. Spencer, Jr., (Rachel) of Centerport, NY, Daryl Lamont Spencer (Monique) of Shiloh, IL, and Cherie Lynn Spencer of Alexandria, VA. Being a grandpa was one of the greatest joys of his life and he leaves to cherish many good memories of “Grandpa” his grandson, William R. Spencer, III, and four granddaughters, Hannah Riva Spencer, Ava Reece Spencer, Hailey Elizabeth Kay Spencer, and Mariah Claire Spencer. As the oldest son, Rev. Spencer or “Bum Bum” as he was affectionately  known to his family, was well loved and respected amongst his siblings, including Henrietta Franklin, George Spencer, Ronald Spencer, Leonard Spencer, Deborah Spencer, and Dwayne Spencer. Rev. Spencer enjoyed an especially close relationship with his oldest nephew James Hairston. Rev. Spencer was preceded in death by his siblings Barbara Jean Hairston, Harold Spencer, Curtis Spencer, Ellen Nadine Hazzard, and John Henry Spencer. He also leaves a host of nieces and nephews who all enjoyed a wonderful and loving relationship with their Uncle Bum Bum. Rev. Spencer graduated from Kimball High School and was accomplished both in academics and sports. He used his skills in football to obtain a scholarship to attend Concord College in Athens, WV, where he obtained a degree in education. He began his career at Welch High School teaching biology and mining safety classes while also coaching football and basketball. Once Mount View High School opened, Rev. Spencer continued his teaching career where he was well-loved for his interesting and engaging teaching techniques. In his career he taught multiple generations from various McDowell County families. Once he retired, he was “encouraged” by his late sister and principal of Mount View High School, Barbara Hairston to stay involved and provide support for Mount View High School students and teachers. Having been called to preach 45 years ago, Rev. Spencer was the pastor at St. James Missionary Baptist Church and then later became the pastor of Union Temple Baptist where he was pastor until the time of his death, having served for 35 years. Known as “Rev.” to many in the local community, his ministry of serving others extended far beyond the walls of the church. He was well-known for his kindness and encouragement to all he encountered. Civic involvement was important to Rev. Spencer which led him to run for and win a seat on the Welch City Council where he served until his death. He was also a board member of the Tug River Health Clinic. Rev. Spencer was a proud member of the Lions Club International  and enjoyed all the charitable endeavors of the organization. He always enjoyed working on the floats for the Veterans Day parade, and the Christmas party that the club held every year for local children was one of the highlights of his year. On June 3, 2020, Rev. Spencer was awarded the Diamond Centennial Award from the Lions Club. On October 8, 2022, in recognition of his accomplished sports career at Concord College, Rev. Spencer was inducted into the McDowell County Sports Hall of Fame. Golf and card games were two of Rev. Spencer’s favorite pastimes. He could be found on the golf course most days of the week and participated in several local and regional charity golf tournaments. One of his most cherished times was the regular weekly card game he played with close friends for almost 30 years. Rev. Spencer will be remembered for his generosity, warm spirit, great sense of humor and the countless numbers of lives he impacted. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Friday, March 22, 2024 at the Greater Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church 104 Park Street in Bluefield, WV.  Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM.  Interment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Gardens, 6605 New Hope Road, Bluewell, WV.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Reverend William R. Spencer, Sr.'s Memorial/Scholarship Fund in c/o William R. Spencer, Jr., 25 East Carver Street Huntington, NY 11743.  Services for Reverend William R. Spencer, Sr.,  have been entrusted to Gregory-Page Funeral Home in Welch, WV.     

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