Retired MSG Carey Wayne Spencer, Sr. 81, of Southport, North Carolina, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2019, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina, with his family by his side.
Carey was born to the late Ray Spencer and Linnie Singletary Spencer, June 23, 1938. He wed Julia Styron Ashburn on November 20, 1955, in Conway, South Carolina. Preceding him in death by his two sisters Pat Hughes and Charlotte Walton both of Southport.
Recently widowed, he is survived by his children, Carey Wayne Spencer, Jr. and wife Susan, David Ronald Spencer, and Sharon Spencer Carlson all of Southport, Grandchildren Carey Wayne Spencer, III and wife Monica of Mobile, Alabama, Erin Ashburn Kenerley and husband Potter of Greensboro, North Carolina, Joshua David Spencer of Denver, Colorado, and Brad Raymond Carlson, Jr. of Southport, and Great Granddaughter Emma Spencer of Birmingham, Alabama.
Carey spent his life giving first to his family then to the United States Army. He served twenty-two years in the Army before retiring and eventually moving back to Southport to open Southport Starter and Radiator. He toured with his wife and children all over the world and saw service in both Korea and Vietnam. During his early Korea tour he was involved in an overwater plane crash where he saved the lives of numerous soldiers and was awarded the Army’s highest noncombat award for heroism, The Soldier’s Medal. He also received numerous other awards, letters of achievement, commendation and appreciation to include the Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medals (3), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Good Conduct Medals (5), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. He was a Shriner and Mason and member of the Pythagoras Lodge in Southport. His life as a father was constant involvement in his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. He never met a stranger who did not soon become a friend, and he was quick to volunteer to help others. He spent his retired years enjoying time with his family, watching NASCAR racing, reading, and playing games on his Kindle Fire.
Visitation is planned for Wednesday, October 23, 2019, from 6-8 p.m. at Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral Home, 1411 North Howe Street in Southport, NC with a chapel service planned for 3 p.m. Thursday, October 24, 2019 at Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral Home to be followed by burial in Northwood Cemetery with masonic and military honors.
Condolences may be sent to Spencer Family, Post Office Box 10873, Southport, NC 28461.
Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, NC.
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