Homer Ashley Spencer ’43

Homer Ashley Spencer ’43, 89, of Lakeland, Fla., a Presbyterian missionary and minister, passed away after a stroke on April 18. He was born in Spartanburg, S.C., on Dec. 6, 1921. After receiving degrees from Davidson and Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Va., he and his first wife, Patricia Patterson, were commissioned as missionaries to Mexico. He served as hospital chaplain at Sanatorio la Luz in Morelia for 16 years. Patricia died and Spencer returned to the U.S. with his two children, Harriet and Homer, Jr. In 1971, he married Barbara Sue Nichols. He served Presbyterian pastorates in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida, his latest one in Lehigh Acres. Anticipating retirement, he and his wife signed up as volunteers in Mission (Presbyterian VIMs) and were assigned in border ministries along the Mexican border. They helped start Project Amistad during their two-year term. Upon retirement, he was described as “a warm and kind person, always diligent in his work for the Kingdom-a very loyal presbyter-emanating happiness.” His work for the Kingdom included playing a part in getting a public water system for Milford, Va.; getting brown lung established as a distinct disease so that those afflicted could get compensation; under Habitat for Humanity, teaching household finance in Immokalee; and managing the art group at the Presbyterian Homes. He and Sue have lived at the Presbyterian Homes for 19 years. Spencer is survived by his wife, Sue Spencer, 519 Cresap St., Lakeland, FL 33815-4709; daughter, Harriet Brown (Robert); son, Homer Spencer, Jr.; granddaughters, Abigail Brown and Sarah Dayton (Charles); and grandson, Andrew Brown.