Richard Lewis Spencer, Jr. MD

Richard L. Spencer, Jr. MD, 90, of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away peacefully with family at his side on January 19, 2025. Born in Manhattan, NY, Richard lived a life full of passion, service, and dedication. As a young boy, he attended Catholic school in New York City, where he was shaped by the values of faith, discipline, and community.

A graduate of Belmont Abbey College and the Medical College of Virginia, Richard's journey took him from New York to Virginia and eventually to Winston-Salem, where he spent the majority of his life. He served as a Flight Surgeon in the U.S. Navy for five years with the Hurricane Hunters Unit, VW-4, where he proudly contributed to weather research and storm missions.

Following his military service, he completed his residency in 1966 at Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem and began his practice in psychiatry, where he cared for patients until his retirement in 2018. Throughout his 52-year career, he was known for his kindness, expertise, and unwavering commitment to his patients' well-being. In 2017, Richard was selected as a Top Doctor in Winston-Salem, NC by the International Association of Health Care Professionals (IAHCP).

Richard was a loving husband to his wife, Marilyn M. Spencer, with whom he shared 49 years of marriage. Together, they raised four children: Rick, Julie, Cherie, and Anjie. Richard was a true hero to his children, who adored him and looked up to him as a constant source of wisdom, love, and strength. He was also a proud and devoted grandfather to his seven grandchildren, Walker Page, Madeleine Page, Colette Page, Annie "Spencer" Page, Luke Spencer, Katherine Spencer and Spencer Severo, who brought him great joy and whom he cherished deeply. In the later years of his life, Richard was fortunate to have the loyal friendship and devotion of Joann Wilson, who brought comfort, care, and unwavering support to him.

In his spare time, Richard was an avid tennis player and even won some local tournaments. When not on the tennis court, he might be found with a glass of Johnny Walker Red, reading one of his favorite books, works by Cormac McCarthy and Tom Clancy among them. Richard had a lifelong passion for aviation, owning an airplane for a time and pursuing his pilot qualifications. He regularly attended the Reno Air Races, where he reveled in the power and grace of the aircraft and the skill and daring of the pilots. He was also fascinated by trains and was a devoted patron of the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC, where he enjoyed delving into the rich history of railroads.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard L. Spencer, Sr. and Florene Quillen Spencer; his beloved wife, Marilyn M. Spencer; and his grandson, Spencer Ezekiel Severo. He is survived by his son, Richard L. Spencer, III; daughters, Julie Spencer, Cherie Spencer Page, Anjanette Spencer and his cherished grandchildren.

Richard's presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A graveside memorial service in Charlotte, NC will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mental Health America of Central Carolinas in his honor.