Robert F Spencer, born April 25, 1920, died in his Port St. Lucie, FL home on February 8th, 2017 with his wife Joy at his side. He was 96. Twenty-two of his happiest years were spent as Minister of the Batavia First Baptist Church (1958 to 1980).
Robert liked to be referred to as Spence and was well regarded by all who knew him. In return, he greatly cared for all with whom he came in contact in all corners of the communities where he lived and worked. His life accomplishments and activities are way too numerous to cover in a few paragraphs.
Spence can be considered a real renaissance man of his era. At any given time, he was an active member of up to 20 organizations, a tireless champion for many causes and a learned scholar of countless subjects. This included an ability to read biblical scripture in original Aramaic or Greek texts.
While in Batavia, he held two important posts in addition to the First Baptist Church pastorate. He was the protestant Chaplin at the VA hospital and with the rank of Lt. Colonel, was the head Chaplin for the New York State Civil Air Patrol which provided ministry services to all New York state Air Force servicemen.
His hobbies were many and included coin and stamp collecting but in Batavia, he was perhaps most notorious for his herpetology hobby. He housed three large constrictors in a big cage kept in the parsonage and the dinner guests were fewer during that time!
Spence was blessed to have two wonderful marriages. His first marriage of 27 years to Priscilla Alden Bowles ended when she passed in 1969. He is survived by the wife of his second marriage of 47 years, Leah Joy Hall. He is also survived by his sister, Beatrice, his four children, Judith, Bradford, Stephen and David and by his step daughter, Sandy. In addition, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
His was truly a Christian life well lived and leaves a good and lasting legacy. A memorial service for Spence is being held March 4th from 1 to 3 PM at the Brennity in Port St Lucie, FL. (772-345-2700).
