Gerald (Jerry) Richard Spencer, 88, of Pataskala Ohio, passed away May 26, 2022.
He was born in Portsmouth, Ohio on February 4, 1934 to the late Arthur and Opal (Blevins) Spencer.
Surviving family includes ex-wife, Dolores "Dolly" Spencer; children, Mark Spencer, Karen (Timm) Reed, Laura Spencer (Dennis Fabbro); grandchildren, Mathew Spencer, Brandon (Angie) McKenzie, Leah (Chris) Cassidy, Kaitlyn McKenzie, Delanie Fabbro; great grandchildren, Mackson McKenzie, Emersyn McKenzie, Tyler Cassidy, Kadence Cassidy, Braeden Cassidy, RieAnah McKenzie, JoVanni McKenzie, Jaxxonn McKenzie and Linkoln McKenzie.
Jerry began his college career at Wilmington College where he played Basketball. Later he transferred to The Ohio State University. He graduated from OSU with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. He used his degree to specialize in Land Development and he supervised projects even throughout his retirement years.
Jerry loved the outdoors and would schedule hunting or fishing trips as often as life allowed. These trips often were generational where he included his father, son, daughter, and later his grandsons.
Struggles during midlife steered him toward Christianity. He began practicing lifelong habits that would help him walk more closely with God. He attended meetings with the Christian Businessmen's Connection (CBMC) where he strived to include Christian beliefs into his work ethics. In this group, he mentored and developed friendships along the way. He also attended the Pataskala Grace Church where he was an active member for many years.
He believed that the Holy Spirit was essential in our lives. He wanted to steer everyone that he loved to a better place, to make better choices, to be wiser in their decisions. He wasn't always well received, but he tried with all his heart to seek forgiveness. The ultimate act of love is forgiveness…It's why Christ died on the Cross.
Jerry loved his family, the outdoors, the OSU Buckeyes, and Jesus. He will be greatly missed. May God bless his soul.
Visitation will be Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 2pm to 3p.m. at Newcomer NE Chapel, 3047 E. Dublin Granville Rd. Columbus. Memorial services will be Saturday at 3pm at the funeral home with Pastor Fenton McDonald officiating.
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