R.L. Spencer Jr.

Mr. Rufus Lionel Spencer Jr., age 89, of Elkin, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Woltz Hospice Home. He was born in Wilkes County on June 9, 1935, to Rufus Lionel Spencer Sr. and Irene Draughn Spencer.

 RL, a man of honor, proudly served in the United States Army, a testament to his dedication and love for his country. He retired from Centel/Sprint after many years of service and making many lifelong friends.

 RL was a man of simple pleasures and was always known as a sharp-dressed man. When his health allowed him to, he enjoyed doing yard work, cleaning up his cars, going on long walks, and hunting. He loved spending time with his family and riding around sightseeing. He especially loved spending time with his Pleasant Hill friends, fellowshipping together. 

RL cared for his loving wife, Earline, who suffered from ALS, for several years before she passed away. He was a wonderful caretaker. Later, RL was so thankful to have a special friend and love of over 31 years, Kaye Teague, to share life with. 

RL was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and served as an usher for many years, enjoying special times with his brothers in Christ.

 RL was a great father, who led by example, always willing to give advice about life's situations. He was always there for his family, especially his grandsons whom he adored.

 In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Earline Darnell Spencer; sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Arvil Luffman; sister-in-law, Betty Spencer; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Winnon Collins.

 He is survived by his son, Scott Spencer, and wife, Karen, of State Road; grandsons, Brendan Spencer and Benjamin Spencer; brother, Ralph Spencer, and his wife Joyce of Winston Salem; special friend Kaye Teague and her children, Wendy and Jason, and their families; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and Gaither Barker, and several loving nieces and nephews.

 A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, with Dr. Danny Dodds and Rev. Joe Wood officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, 593 Pleasant Hill Dr., Elkin, NC 28621.