Frank E. Spencer Jr. died Oct. 10

Frank E. Spencer Jr. was born in Lynchburg on Aug. 31, 1929, and lived his life fully until the morning of Oct. 10, 2023.

He was the son of the late Frank and Eldridge Spencer of Natural Bridge. Frank was predeceased in 2016 by his wife of 62 years, Ida Page Watts.

He is survived by their five children and spouses, Sandy Morgan (Allen), David Spencer (Sandy), Tom Spencer (Lynn), Elen Pace (Jon), and Jane Rund (Garry); seven grandchildren, Justin Morgan (Abby), Blaire Morgan, Connor Rund (Sara Virginia), Kelsey Rund, Claire Pace, Jack Pace, Paige Spencer; and two great-grandsons, Sam and Oliver Morgan. He is also survived by his sister, Pat Vipperman (Richard), two nephews and a niece.

Frank graduated from Natural Bridge High School in 1947, was a post graduate at Augusta Military Academy, then graduated from Virginia Military Institute in 1953 with a degree in civil engineering.  Frank was commissioned in the Air Force and went on active duty in January of 1954. He served in civil engineering at the base level, command level, and Headquarters USAF (Pentagon). Frank retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Air Force in 1975 after assignments in Oregon, Baffin Island, Labrador, Arkansas, Morocco, Colorado, Alaska, Washington, D.C., South Carolina, Vietnam, Thailand, and Hawaii.

Frank retired from his second career in 1989 after working in quality control with Virginia Power in Bath County, Richmond, and Fairfax.

Frank became a Mason in 1951, receiving the 70-year Masonic Recognition Pin and certificate in 2021. While stationed in Hawaii, he joined the Scottish Rite and ALOHA Shrine Temple. Frank was always an involved and active volunteer. He was a lifetime member of the VFW. Frank found a church home wherever he lived, most recently St. Mark’s United Methodist in Waynesboro.

Frank had a positive word for everyone, found joy in life and loved to share holidays and milestones with friends and family. This year he attended his 70^th reunion at VMI, celebrated his 94^th birthday, and most recently welcomed his second great-grandson to the family. 

A family graveside service will be held.

As a former athlete, Frank loved to follow VMI sports and for years volunteered at the Augusta Military Academy Museum. Memorial donations may be made to VMI’s Keydet Club or the AMA Museum.