Reverend William R. Spencer, Sr., age 78 of Welch, WV, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at his son's, Dr. William R. Spencer, Jr.'s, home in Centerport, NY, following a brief illness

Rev. Spencer was born in Eckman, WV, on October 15, 1945, to the late Robert Lee Spencer and Nannie Beatrice Matthews Spencer

He is survived by his three children, Dr. William R. Spencer, Jr., (Rachel) of Centerport, NY, Daryl Lamont Spencer (Monique) of Shiloh, IL, and Cherie Lynn Spencer of Alexandria, VA. "Grandpa" to his grandson, William R. Spencer, III, and four granddaughters, Hannah Riva Spencer, Ava Reece Spencer, Hailey Elizabeth Kay Spencer, and Mariah Claire Spencer

His siblings include: Henrietta Franklin, George Spencer, Ronald Spencer, Leonard Spencer, Deborah Spencer, and Dwayne Spencer. He was preceded in death by his siblings Barbara Jean Hairston, Harold Spencer, Curtis Spencer, Ellen Nadine Hazzard, and John Henry Spencer.

He also leaves a host of nieces and nephews.

Rev. Spencer graduated from Kimball High School and was accomplished both in academics and sports. He used his skills in football to obtain a scholarship to attend Concord College in Athens, WV, where he obtained a degree in education.

He began his career at Welch High School teaching biology and mining safety classes while also coaching football and basketball. Once Mount View High School opened, Rev. Spencer continued his teaching career.

Once he retired, he stayed involved and provided support for Mount View High School students and teachers. Being called to preach 45 years ago, Rev. Spencer was pastor at St. James Missionary Baptist Church and the Union Temple Baptist where he was pastor until the time of his death, serving 35 years.

Civic involvement was important, that led him to run for and win a seat on the Welch City Council, serving until his death. He was a board member of the Tug River Health Clinic and proud member of the Lions Club International. He enjoyed all the charitable endeavors of the organization, working on floats for the Veterans Day parade, and Christmas party held every year.

On June 3, 2020, Rev. Spencer was awarded the Diamond Centennial Award from the Lions Club. On October 8, 2022, in recognition of his accomplished sports career at Concord College, he was inducted into the McDowell County Sports Hall of Fame. Golf and card games (of almost 30 years), were two of his favorite pastimes.

A Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 AM, Friday, March 22, 2024 at the Greater Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church, 104 Park Street in Bluefield, WV. Visitation from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Gardens, 6605 New Hope Road, Bluewell, WV.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Reverend William R. Spencer, Sr.'s Memorial/Scholarship Fund %William R. Spencer, Jr., 25 East Carver Street Huntington, NY 11743.

Services for Reverend William R. Spencer, Sr., have been entrusted to Gregory-Page Funeral Home in Welch, WV.