Merle Wayne Spencer

M. Wayne Spencer, age 86, of Hot Springs, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 1, 2025. He was born on September 7, 1938, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to William J. Spencer and Eva Gertrude McCarty-Spencer.

Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 21 years, specializing as a chief radio operator aboard submarines. After his military service, he pursued higher education and earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Henderson University.

Wayne was a man of deep faith, known for his outgoing personality and kind heart. He had a love for reading and watching westerns, and he enjoyed spending quiet moments working through puzzles, especially sudoku and crosswords.

He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings: Billy Jack Spencer, Vivian Cook, Edith Schwiger, Arthur Dale Spencer, Joe Spencer, and Francie Williams.

Wayne is survived by his two loving sons, Monty (Juanita) Spencer and Tim Spencer; three devoted sisters, Nita Shepherd, Lena Creasy, and Bonnie Reddig; and a large extended family of cherished nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home. A celebration of Wayne's life will follow on Saturday, September 6, at 4:00 p.m. at the same location.