Mikel Dale Spencer

Mikel Dale Spencer was born to Georgia Lee (Sharp) and Larry Dale Spencer on March 27, 1967, in Trenton, Michigan. Growing up in Springfield and Enon, Ohio, he never called “the state up north” his home. Mikel graduated from Greenon High School in June 1985, where he joined the marching band, played baseball, ran cross country track and was the sports announcer for Greenon’s athletic teams.

Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and served his country with honor for 24 years. He spent 13 months in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, during which time he was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism in combat. He completed two tours in Germany, and stateside assignments in Peoria, Illinois and Tacoma, Washington before concluding his illustrious career in Morganton, North Carolina. He earned recognition as a coveted Army Gold Ring Recruiter and impacted the lives of untold numbers of future soldiers.

Following his military retirement, Mikel earned two Bachelor’s degrees, one in Public Administration and the other in Emergency Management, from Northern Arizona University. He continued his commitment to public service starting as a GS-5 in Human Resources, at the Southern Arizona VA Hospital, in Tucson. In 2016, he transferred to the U.S. State Department Passport Services, where he rose to the position of Program Analyst GS-13 assigned to Washington, D.C.

During his tenure with the State Department, Mikel served as a Senior Union Steward for the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE). His advocacy and commitment, resulted in the implementation of new practices, policies, and workplace initiatives, thus improving management-employee relationships. He represented the union on major local and bureau level negotiations, served as "First Chair" in arbitration and facilitated the training of other union stewards.

A die-hard “The” Ohio State University and St. Louis Cardinals fan, Mikel’s one bucket list item was to visit every major league baseball stadium. He made it to 16 of them! Also, a talented pianist, he composed a love song for his wife and lullabies for his God-blessings Ella, Robin, Ava, Violet and Emori.

Mikel became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. on May 23, 2015, through Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chapter in Phoenix, Arizona. He held several leadership roles within the organization. He reactivated Lambda Kappa Sigma Chapter in Tucson, Arizona and served as its president for four years. He was appointed Western Region Director of Sigma Zeta Relations and served at the national level on the council for the same. His most memorable experience in the fraternity was meeting his Sigma brother, the late Senator John Lewis. The two spent over an hour in conversation. Brother Lewis left an indelible impression on Mikel, telling him to tell his brothers to “Serve others, not just to check a box, but to make a difference.” He then joined the Sigma pilgrimage to Philadelphia to honor and establish a resting place for their Founder Charles I. Brown. Later, heeding the call to serve, Mikel joined Sigma Zeta Sigma Chapter in Tacoma, Washington serving on the Membership Committee and actively supporting the chapter’s initiatives.

Mikel is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 17 years, Patricia Elizabeth Price Spencer. Left to honor his memory are his children, Annastasia Marie and Sebastian Mikel, his stepson and daughter Charles (Trey) B. Blackwell, III and Dayna Monique Blackwell. Mourning his passing are his brother, Jason Spencer (Hollie), brothers and sisters-in-law, Delonta (Beau) Jones Thompson, Delondo (Ronnie) Boyd, Sr., Deborah Moore, Consuella Jenkins, Lolita and Carlton Myers, his Godly gift Ecolia Whitmire, sister-in-love Michelle Scott and a host of other nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Rona Lee.

He will forever be missed by Ben, Tom, Christopher, Kevin, Kelvin, Everett, Anthony, Aaron, Brian, Devon, Jason, Calvin, Micah and Eli; his Zeta daughters, Marissa, Nita, Ashley, Deshanaye, Ruby, Jasmine and Demetria; along with a host of Sigma brothers, Sorors and a multitude of beloved friends.

Mikel will be laid to rest with military honors. Services and committal will be private.

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