Brother Gardner Spencer

Ocala - Gardner Spencer, 72, died at Ocala Regional Hospital after a cycling accident on January 14, 2016. His wife, Arlene Spencer and dear friend and priest, Father Don Curran were at his bedside. Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Milton T. Spencer and Gertrude E. Geodecke Spencer of Bedford, NH, he attended West High School, Manchester, NH ('61).He was a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a B.S. in Zoology ('65) and M.S. in Education ('72). He was a member of the Sigma Beta fraternity and ROTC program before being called to active duty in 1968. He was a Captain in the 4th Armored Division in Germany and a Military Advisor to the Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Bronze Star.

He began his teaching career at the Portsmouth Naval Prison, later accepting a position with the U.S. Department of Corrections in Danbury, CT where he directed the Drug and Alcohol Unit from 1974-1985. He transferred to Boston ('88) and later to Concord, NH ('90) as a U.S. Probation Officer when he and his family purchased an equestrian center in New Hampshire. He retired briefly to Gilmanton Ironworks, NH and then moved to Ocala, FL in 2003. He was active in several organizations which included volunteering at the Marion County Youth Detention Center and served on the Board of Directors at The Centers and Church Without Walls.
An accomplished musician and entertainer, Gardner had a love for music at an early age. He was involved in choirs and choruses from high school, college, church and community. In college, he was the lead singer of the band the Checkmates. He also was part of the duo Deuces Wild in NH, and most recently could be heard playing at the Villages, the Elks, Blanca's Cafe and many other venues in north central Florida. With an interest in history and genealogy, Gardner was President of the Spencer Historical and Genealogical Society since 2009. He was an avid collector of antique automobiles and could be seen driving his 1931 Ford Model A Woody. He also enjoyed cross country skiing, hiking and cycling.

Gardner is survived by his wife, Arlene Culbertson Spencer; brother, John H. Spencer and his wife, Marjorie G. Spencer; nephew, Jonathan S. Spencer; former wife, Barbara Jane Spencer, their children Adam D. Spencer and his wife, Mary Spencer; Allison J. Spencer Sovetsky, her husband James M. Sovetsky, and their children Tyler and Tatum Sovetsky; stepchildren and grandchildren; Anne M. Dennis, children Robert and Kiegan Claggett; Elizabeth A. Nugent; son, Nathaniel 'Culby' Culbertson; Sean A. Buckley; daughter, Isabella Buckley.

Funeral service were held Friday, January 22, 2016 at 9:30 A.M., Christ the King Anglican Church, Living Waters - 3801 N. US Highway 441, Ocala. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to: Christ the King Anglican Church Building Fund, 3850 W Anthony Rd, Ocala, FL 34475.

Published by Ocala Star-Banner from Jan. 20 to Jan. 21, 2016.