Edward Joseph Spencer Jr.

Edward Spencer Obituary

Edward Joseph Spencer Jr., 86, of Salem, Va., passed away Sunday, August 17, 2008. Arrangements by John M. Oakey and Son, Salem.

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Published by Roanoke Times on Aug. 18, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Spencer

7 Entries

Jennifer Spencer

August 12, 2024

Love you Granddad.

Jennifer Spencer

August 12, 2021

Hi Granddaddy Ed,

I play the lottery sometimes and I think of you and that " Spencer luck."
I'm full of generosity these days and compassion for my adult children's welfare. They are learning...making mistakes and discovering adulthood. Singlehandedly, I get that from you and Granny Dot. You never criticized me or anyone else for that matter. Thinking about it now...I never heard you insult anyone.
Well...except when driving but never directly. I still tell stories of sliding around with my brother and David on the leather back seat in that blue or green boat of a car.
And that's where I learned the thrill of driving...fast. Why get there slowly?
Swinging bridges, driving fast, a game of golf and a couple hours of fishing...there was no sitting around with you. Carpe diem.
The 1st rule I learned from you.
And on those rarer occasions of sitting around...again, a great glass of lemonade, the perfect song, something tasty to eat and explanations of why...the secret snack stash ( oh, the excitement- you loved the reveal and the satisfaction of your preparation), or treasured pictures from the past. You taught me the measure of significance and the measure of acceptance.
A great man like you is exploring the cosmos, fishing for stars and telling grand stories about your 1st life.
I miss you so much.

Jennifer Spencer

September 19, 2020

Hi Grandad,

I miss you.
I think about you often.
Lately I've been thinking about your pressed pants, trouser socks, you would polish your shoes and wear nice shirts. You always kept your facial hair shaved and you'd have a nice cut.
Alot of men today don't have those standards. You were also so kind and generous with a playful side.
I remember going to your house when I was smile and you'd dial the number on the rotary phone for the storyline at the library. Every number dialed was sheer joy. You left my dad's room the way it was when he left and I understand that now. You have the biggest heart.
I think about your countless teachings- like the wonders and usefulness of Rainex or where fish will be in the river based on the shade or cloudiness of the different golf clubs to use as you pulled each one out in the living room.
More than anything, I remember your final words to me....and I live by them grandfather.
It was your birthday and I let off fireworks for you...at the VA because I was a stupid, hyperactive just stupid young woman. And when I realized my error and apologized to you. You were grinning and you looked directly at me with those kind eyes and said, " You did what you wanted to do. Always do what you want to do."

Cheryl (Spencer) Fink

August 22, 2008

Sorry to hear about Ed. He was always willing to help out when it was needed, (I thank him for that). We didn’t keep in contact a lot but it was a joy to get a card or a phone call occasionally. He always told interesting stories. I know he had a great love for his wife and his children. He was always there for his son Albert and Grand son Ajay.
He loved playing Golf. I know he will be missed by many.
Sincere Sympathy
Cheryl Fink

Jennifer Jayabalan

August 21, 2008

Grandaddy,

You were more than the grand papia, you were a giant. You filled in my father's shoes so nicely and took us fishing,bought me Easter dresses, and I loved loved loved your chocolate milk. I'm going to miss your chocolate milk! I'm standing in front of the fridge and I can hear the clinking of the spoon in glass. Oh, and your famous lemonade!Now, I'm sitting at the table with you watching Wheel of Fortune or a baseball game or maybe it's Mash. You were my hero. A man amongst men. You'd look over at me like I'd said something funny and cut one of your smiles, and you taught me gentileness in a man..love and trust. I will never forget the time you heated up a worn sock in the oven and put it on my neck at night and swore to me that it was an old Indian cure for my sore throat! Thinking about that now...was that really an old trick from your childhood? For the record- it really did work. Or the Indian (sulpher) stick you put on my canker sore that turned it green and then black, and I swear it burned it off, ouch, and it was the craziest thing but it worked. As my brother said, you always told us to be good..you'd always say "Be good!" and sweetly, sometimes sheepishly shoe us off. You'd stand at the door and flick the porch light on and off in our good-night-love-you morse code. That will ALWAYS remind me of you. When I got older, I'd flicker my head lights on/off back at ya. I am happy you are united with Granny and dad. You got your wish. You will be sorely missed. I pray now that we will be reunited when the time is right for me to come. Rest well and peace be with you King Edward. Hearts and thoughts on you.

Albert J. (Ajay) Spencer Jr.

August 20, 2008

Ed Spencer was my grandfather. I have many fond memories of spending time with Grandpa. I remember good times such as fishing, going to the dog races, and listening to stories of his many accomplishments (boxing, running track, playing harmonica, golfing, & being in the service). He always encouraged me to do my best. On a recent visit and upon meeting my children the one thing he repeated to them was "Do good" still encouraging them to do their best also. Although I moved out of state at a young age and didn't get to visit as much as I would have liked I will always cherish the time we spent together. I am so glad I got to see him one last time before he departed to a better place.

Anne Minsterketter

August 19, 2008

I am a friend of BJ and I have wonderful memories of playing golf with Mr. Spencer, BJ and my friend Fran, who learned to use her sand wedge under Mr. Spencer's fine tutelage!

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