John David Spencer

J.D.’s family moved to North Carolina in 1961 so his father could take a position as Pastor of Community Center Baptist Church in Halifax, NC. He attended Aurelian Springs High School and graduated in the Class of 1965. During his high school years, he met his future wife, Caroline Hawkins of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. They married in July 1968. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for two years.

J.D. was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam conflict and received several service medals. He served aboard the U.S.S. Wrangell AE-12 as Quartermaster.

He received an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Law Enforcement from Wilson County Technical Institute in Wilson, NC. He served as Patrolman with the Hampton Police Department, and was later promoted to Corporal in the Detective Bureau. He served 17 years in the CAP (Crimes Against Persons) Squad and enjoyed his work as a Homicide Detective. Later he became Sergeant and Lieutenant over the CAP Squad at the HPD, retiring after 27 years of service. After two months of retirement, J.D. joined the Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office as their investigator from 2001 to 2013.

He enjoyed golf outings with friends and family, the Dallas Cowboys, UNC basketball, anything dealing with Star Trek, John Wayne, weekend trips with his wife, watching movies, playing with his dog Doxie, and attending all events involving his 5 grandchildren.

J.D. was preceded in rest by his parents, Rev. John W. Spencer and Marie L. Spencer. He is survived by his wife of over 47 years, Caroline Hawkins Spencer; son, Kevin Todd Spencer; daughter, Valerie Spencer Muth; grandchildren, Audrey Lynne Muth, Zackary Dean Roggenstein, Austin Bradley Muth, Lamae Caroline Spencer, and Killian David Spencer; and brother, James W. Spencer.

A celebration of J.D.’s life will be held at 5:00 pm on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Tom Tuttle. A visitation will follow the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Peninsula SPCA, 523 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.