John Mervin Springer Jr.

John Mervin Springer, Jr., 83, passed away on January 11, 2025 in Nashville, TN. He was born April 19, 1941 in Peoria, Illinois, to Mr. John Mervin and Mrs. Treva Springer. Throughout his life, John’s kindness, humor, and easygoing nature enriched the lives of all who knew him, from his university students and colleagues to his church community, friends, and family.

John grew up in Princeville, IL and cherished the close-knit small town experience throughout his life. He attended Knox College and received his undergraduate degree in Physics. In college, he enrolled in Army ROTC, which led to a commission in the Reserves before being called up to active duty at Redstone Arsenal and then being deployed to Vietnam. He earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Physics from Vanderbilt University, and subsequently took an appointment as a professor of Physics at Fisk University, where he conducted research, taught, and served as a mentor for many years. His research work included infrared spectroscopy, materials science, and microgravity experiments aboard the NASA Spacelab 3 mission. During his tenure at Fisk, he was appointed head of the Fisk Computer Center and taught Computer Science classes, helping develop the program during its earliest days at Fisk. He later served the university as VP of Institutional Research and Development until his retirement.

While in graduate school, John met Alice, who became his wife of 45 years, and together they started a family. The family attended Westminster Presbyterian Church and later Second Presbyterian Church. John became deeply involved and found a strong sense of community in church life. Among his many contributions, he taught adult Sunday school, sang in the choir, chaired the personnel committee, served on the Session, and arranged the regular men’s breakfast group. After the death of his wife, he met Carole, his loving companion for 12 years until his death.

He is survived by his son Jonathan, grandchildren Will and Julian; son Thomas (Cristina), grandchildren Eva and Marc; sister Kathy (Charles); and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary (Robert), his wife Alice, and his son Christopher Louis Springer.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 18 at 2 pm at Second Presbyterian Church in Nashville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Second Presbyterian Church, Fisk University, or Alive Hospice. Condolences may be sent to the Springer Family, 1609 Ash Valley Dr., Nashville, TN 37215.

Donation website options

https://www.secondpresbyterian.net/giving

https://connect.fisk.edu/donatev

https://www.alivehospice.org/get-involved/give/