W. Thomas Spencer

1928 - 2018

SPENCER, W. THOMAS Born on August 6, 1928, in Crawfordsville, Indiana, his early years were spent in the town known as the home of Lew Wallace, author of Ben Hur and Wabash College. From having a paper route to becoming an Eagle Scout his desire for community service came at an early age. After watching his father chair the Draft Board during World War II, he would later on leave law school to serve in the Navy during the Korean War. After high school, he enrolled at Wabash College. He later received his A.B. in 1950 from the University of Miami, and his J.D. in 1956. He attended the US Naval Justice School in 1953 and the Florida Judicial College in 1991. During the Korean, War Tom was stationed in the Pacific theatre for three years. After completing his military service as a Navy Lt., Tom returned to his studies in Miami. He also served as the President of the Student Body and was a member of Iron Arrow. After graduating from the University of Miami Law School, Tom joined the law firm of Adams, George, and Wood before establishing his own law firm of Spencer and Taylor handling personal injury and product liability cases. Tom was admitted to argue before the US Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit in 1981 and the U.S. Supreme Court in l984. Among the associates was a young attorney Philip Freidin. Upon hearing of Spencer's passing he offered his personal thoughts: "Tom was from another era. He was a true gentleman, was always courteous to all people, and was incapable of dishonesty. He taught me more about being a good trial lawyer than anyone else I ever worked with." Along with his practice, he served in the Florida Legislature and Senate from l963 to l968. Among his accomplishments in his term, he authored the anti-discrimination clause in the then new l968 Florida Constitution. He fought for fair apportionment for representation for Dade County and supported a four-year state university which is now Florida International University. One of his earlier successes was a law raising the legal driving age in Florida from 14 to l6. After 32 years in private practice, Spencer was appointed to Miami Dade Circuit Court by Gov. Bob Martinez in 1990. He also enjoyed being an adjunct law professor at his old alma mater. After moving to Central Florida he continued serving in the courts and traveling for a couple of years until his health would not permit. He was once asked in an interview what were his hobbies, he simply stated family. Next to family traveling and gardening were his passions along with working in scouting with his sons. Tom passed away peacefully on September 30, 2018, in the ICU unit of Orlando South. His family is forever grateful for the wonderful care given Tom over the years from his doctors, nurses and medical team and the kindnesses shown to them. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years Patricia and two sons, Thomas and Jamie. He also leaves behind his sister, Phyllis, nieces, Susan Hyatt and Julie Barrett, nephew Charles Barrett, and many beloved grandnieces and nephews. A private family service was held in October. A Celebration of Life Service will be held early next year in Winter Park.