Thomas Warren Spencer

It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas Warren Spencer announce his peaceful passing on April 1st, 2020 at the age of 66. Thomas was born on August 5th, 1953 in Schenectady, New York to Donald Eugene Spencer and Ida Lee Spencer. Tom was a proud alumnus of Statesville High School (Class of 1971) and Mitchell Community College. He went on to receive his Undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University (Class of 1975). Tom later continued his education at National University in San Diego, earning his Masters in Human Resources Management. Those who knew Tom will remember him as a proud and dedicated Marine, forever grateful to have served his country, retiring as a Colonel in 2005. His 30 years of service in the Marine Corps presented him with challenges that he was able to overcome to earn tremendous respect among his peers. The friendships he made have turned into lifelong bonds. He spent 14 of his 30 year career in the Marine Corps on recruiting duty and held positions as Commanding Officer and Chief of Staff at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. Tom also served as the Commanding Officer of the Marine Security Guard Battalion overseeing the Middle East and North African region. In his free time, Tom loved spending time with his friends and family, and in particular, his grandchildren with whom he had a very special bond. Tom was also a huge sports fan and his commitment to his Packers and Yankees was unrivaled. He visited Lambeau Field many times, often in below freezing temperatures. Tom was strongly devoted to Jesus Christ and was an active member of Foothills United Methodist Church. He served as the Head of the Trustees for 2 terms, was a member of the Finance Committee, and organized and led the church’s volunteer parking lot security for over 10 years. He was grateful for the love and support of his church family. Tom is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 42 years, Kennett Spencer. They will be eternally bonded by their faith and love for one another. He will be remembered by his surviving family including his sister, Donna Dooley of Anchorage, Alaska. He will also be missed by his son Matthew Spencer and daughter-in-law Manary Villalobos-Spencer, his daughter, Jillian Spencer Sitka and her husband, Evan Sitka and his three grandchildren, Siena Spencer, Evan Spencer, Isla Sitka and all of his close friends. The family will host a private memorial at Miramar National Cemetery to honor Tom and lay him to rest. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Tom may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.