He was born June 7, 1947 in San Angelo, Texas, to the late William Dean and Addie King Spencer and grew up in Llano, Texas, until he joined the U.S. Navy in August, 1965.
J W “Jay” Spencer, 72, of Greeneville, TN, passed away early Wednesday morning at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Mountain Home, TN.
He was born June 7, 1947 in San Angelo, TX to the late William Dean and Addie King Spencer and grew up in Llano, TX until he joined the U.S. Navy in August 1965. Jay was a retired U.S. Navy veteran having served over 20 years aboard surface ships and sailing around the world. He was an MS1 working for the Admiral of the 6th Naval District planning meals and special functions for visiting dignitaries.
Mr. Spencer was a born again Christian that was known for his willingness to help when and wherever he was needed. He was happiest when working for his church, The Sanctuary of Greeneville, TN. He enjoyed serving in the media center, doing maintenance and repairs as they arose, or just tinkering around in his shop and with his motor home.
He is survived by the love of his life, Sandra Hicks Spencer, for almost 50 years, having married September 9, 1969, a daughter, Deborah Spencer Malone (Terry), a granddaughter, Sarah Johnson (Russell), a grandson, Jeremiah Malone, and a great grandson, Cohen James Johnson, all of Greeneville. A sister, Mary Spencer Nadeau, niece Kimberly Nadeau both of Llano, TX, a nephew Justin Nadeau of Buchanan Dam, TX and several great nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, July 22, 2019 at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home with funeral services following at 7:00 p.m.
Interment services will be at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, at Mountain Home National Cemetery, in Johnson City, TN with full military honors. Pastor Jeremy Carver of The Sanctuary will be officiating.
Family and friends are welcome to join the family for a light lunch and refreshments at The Sanctuary Fellowship Hall in Greeneville following the interment service.
The Spencer family would like to express their appreciation to Agnes Hamati, MD, Sheri Miller, RN and the Oncology team at the VA Hospital, for their compassionate and excellent care during Jay’s valiant fight.
Online condolences may be sent to the Spencer family at www.kiserrosehillfuneralhome.
