Chris E. Spencer, Jr.

Obituary For Chris E. Spencer, Jr.

Rev. Chris E. Spencer, Jr. leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Mary M. Spencer. They were married on March 19, 2013. Mrs. Spencer served her husband.

Reverend Chris Edward Spencer, Jr was born October 29, 1942, in Quitman, GA to Mr. Christopher Columbus Spencer and Ms. Everlee Wilson, both of whom preceded him in death. His childhood education began in Quitman, GA, and, after relocating to Thomasville, GA, where young Chris was raised by his grandparents, Reverend Elijah W. Wilson, and Mrs. Rosa Lee Wilson, he completed his education in the Thomasville city school system. Chris Edward was known for his physical strength and intellectual aptitude. He was multi-talented and, while he held numerous jobs over the years, he was an entrepreneur at heart. He was characterized as a jack of all trades and master of them all. Affectionately called “Spenc” or “Big Spenc”, in his early years, he loved restoring antique cars and could be seen on Sunday afternoon drives with his family packed in his 1950 Black Bel Air Two-Door Sedan with red velvet interior. He loved to draw and is credited with sketching numerous work diagrams and pictures for pleasure. He also loved to travel and rarely missed taking his family on fun summer vacations.

Later in life, he owned and operated Spencer’s Maintenance Services, handling every aspect of home repairs and construction, including plumbing, painting, and electrical, and even rebuilt his family home when it was destroyed in a fire.

He was joined in marriage to Marie Sylvia Robinson Spencer (deceased) on September 23, 1961, and from that union, five children were born: Sharon L. Fedrick (Charles), Thomasville, GA; Chris E. Spencer, III ((Versie), Thomasville, GA; Tina Spencer-Smith, Atlanta, GA; Evangelist Stephania Spencer, Cairo, GA; and Keith Spencer (Nicole), Cairo, GA. Reverend Chris and Marie Spencer shared a wonderful life until she was called to her heavenly home in 2012.

Chris Spencer accepted Christ at an early age at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Thomasville, GA, under the pastoral leadership of The Reverend Frank D. Martin, Jr. Chris Edward was active at New Jerusalem, finding joy in serving as a Boy Scout. He later joined First Missionary Baptist Church where The Reverend Dr. I.L. Mullins was the pastor. As he matured in his walk with Christ, he answered the call to ministry and co-founded Ebenezer Christian Center with his wife, Marie Spencer, at their home. Over the years the ministry was blessed and grew to its last location on Wright Street in Thomasville. At Ebenezer, he formed and was dedicated to a Boys Club ministry. Under Reverend Spencer’s leadership, Ebenezer served the community with various activities, including the Sick and Shut-In Saturday breakfasts, Widow Boxes, Thanksgiving, and Christmas baskets. Pastor Chris and Evangelist Marie adopted many sisters and brothers from the community into their family, helped many in need, and allowed their home to serve as a resting place for those in shelter transition. For many years, they hosted a local Christian radio show, spreading the word of God and bringing souls to Christ.

Reverend Spencer also leaves to cherish his memories: one sister, Eula Lee Spencer Ellis, Thomasville, GA; three brothers: Bobby R. Jones, Alfonso L. Jones (Louise), and Artis L. Jones (Mary), of Kansas City, MO; and one sister-in-law, Christine Roberson, Tallahassee, FL. Reverend Spencer adored his family and is survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy P. Spencer Brown, Thomasville, GA, and Christine Spencer Cheaves, Sarasota, FL; one step-son; Corey B. McCaskill of Germantown, Maryland; two-step – grandsons; God-daughters: Elder Ossie Revels, Elder Sonya Wyche, and Evangelist Chrystal Brown and Sis. Charlene Reynolds; Niece, Love Reddick; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life Service for Rev. Chris E. Spencer will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM – First Missionary Baptist Church, 110 West Calhoun St., Thomasville, GA. Internment: Sunset Cemetery, Thomasville, Georgia. Public Viewing: 1:00-6:00 PM, Friday, May 10, 2024 in the BTW Funeral Services Chapel.