Spencer K. Bedenbaugh

Spencer K. Bedenbaugh, 98, died peacefully in his home on March 27, 2025, in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. He was able to see and speak with all three of his children and three of his grandchildren the week before he died.

Spencer was born August 7, 1926, and grew up on the Mississippi State University campus in Starkville, MS, as the son of a professor. He had daily chores on the family's small farm, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing checkers. He excelled in school, particularly in math. After studying accounting at MSU, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the last year of WWII and was stationed in Hawaii. Just as his ship was being deployed to Midway, the war ended, and after an honorable discharge in 1946 he returned to MSU to finish his degree. It was there that he met the love of his life on a blind date, Alice, whom he married in 1948. After graduating with a B.S. with Special Honors, the couple moved to Birmingham where Spencer worked as an internal auditor for U.S. Steel until his retirement. Spencer and Alice enjoyed 64 years of a genuinely happy marriage. When Alice died in 2012, Spencer lost a lifelong loving partner and trusted friend.

Spencer had regular contact with his three children: Ann (Philip O'Rear, daughters Casey and Janie), Kay (Bob Pinsker, sons Nathan and Bret, and daughter Elena), and Eric (Bonnie, and daughter Caroline). He was always available to them, providing sound advice and support when needed, well into his nineties. His longevity was due in part to the excellent medical care he received from his doctor and friend, Dr. James Frey. As he aged, he received steadfast care from Ann, his oldest daughter, with invaluable help from his caregiver, Antoinette Hicks. More recently, Brenda Williams and Wayne Mickel were there to help him, adding a little joy to his days. He awoke every morning with a bit of optimism and never succumbed to depression, although his body was failing him. He remained a member of Southminster Presbyterian Church until his death. March 28, 2025 would have been Spencer and Alice's 77th wedding anniversary - it is pleasant to think of them celebrating it together somewhere.