Richard Lewis Spencer Jr. was born to the late Richard H. Spencer and Elizabeth Liles Spencer in Anson County, Wadesboro NC, on May 3, 1942. He departed this life, Sunday, December 27, 2020, at the age of 78. He studied classical piano at the Beckwith Piano School in Charlotte, North Carolina. At age 13, he became the organist and pianist for the late Bishop J.H. Sherman of The Church of God in Christ. With money he earned from performing, Spencer helped his mother support his younger brothers and sisters. He also taught his siblings how to play instruments of their own. Richard L. Spencer held a Masters degree from the University District of Columbia. He also attended NC A&T State University, Johnson C. Smith University, The University of Phoenix and Pembroke University. He studied for his PhD at Howard University. Richard L. Spencer was an American musician and teacher. He played tenor saxophone in Otis Redding's band, behind Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions with The Winstons. He was awarded a Grammy Award (R&B Songwriter Of The Year 1969) for his composition 'Color Him Father'. Richard was also the singer of the mega-hit with The Winstons on Metromedia Records. He also wrote the Amen Break which has been sampled by Artist such as Dr. Dre. Richard L. Spencer retired from the Washington DC Metro system in 2000 and became a licensed Baptist Minister and high school teacher in Montgomery County, North Carolina. He also taught for many years in the Anson County school system in Wadesboro NC. He was also the author of The Heir, and The Molasses Tree: A Southern Love Story. Richard was inducted in the North Carolina Hall of Fame and DC Legendary Musicians Award. These are just a few of his many accomplishments. Even though Spencer left the recording industry, he never left his music behind. He continued teaching others how to play. Richard L. Spencer cherished his son and if you ever talked to him that was his main focus, Richard Spencer III. He is now united with his mother, Elizabeth Spencer, his father Richard H Spencer, his grandmother, Johnsie Robinson, his brother, Carnel Spencer, his sisters, Barbara Ann Spencer and Kelly Tracy Spencer who preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish loving and fond memories one son, Richard Lewis Spencer III, Reston, Virginia. His brothers, Shelton Rodney Spencer (Brenda-Baye), Wadesboro, NC and Joey Byrone Spencer (Deborah), Raleigh, NC. Two sisters, Sharry Diane Spencer, Wadesboro, NC and Sheila Spencer Whitehurst (Kenneth), Raleigh, NC. Nieces: Toye Spencer Wall, Stacy Dadzie (Emmanuel), Hillary Moye, and Shannon-Spencer Pickett (Travis). Nephew, Sean Sextur Spencer. Great nieces and nephews: Robert Wall (Juanita), Kalil Abraham, Amani Wall, Cameron Wall, Keion Abraham, Kadrian Gooding, Kennedi Lane, Hugh Elliott, Beaulaymone Harris III, Khamani Spencer, Kamryn Spencer, King August Pickett, Kristina Puthama. Great-Great nieces and nephews: Zakiyah, Zari, Kingston, and Jayla. Richard held a special place in her heart for: his students, his friends, and colleagues.
Richard was a father to many, but his only son held the key to his heart.
The Celebration of Life for Mr. Spencer was held on Sunday, January 3, 2021, 2:00pm, in the Chapel of Smith's Funeral Home, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina.
Due to Covid-19, Smith's Funeral Home requires that all attendees to the service or visitation wear a face covering and practice social distance at all times.
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