George Spencer, PhD.

Dr. George Minard Spencer passed away November 1, 2016 at his residence at St. Catherine's Village in Madison, Mississippi. Dr. Spencer was born March 10, 1928, in Sanford, Florida, to Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Spencer. He graduated as valedictorian of his high school class and went on to attend Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry. Dr. Spencer earned a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in psychology at Florida State University. While at Florida State, he met Miss Zenia Davis, also a graduate student. They were married on August 9, 1953, in Tallahassee, Florida. Dr. Spencer was employed as an industrial psychologist for IBM, working first in New York, and then in Huntsville, Alabama, where he worked during the development of the Saturn V rocket that landed on the moon in July of 1969. He was then transferred to Boca Raton, Florida, where he worked until his retirement. After retirement from IBM, Dr. Spencer taught in the business department at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina. He and Zenia both loved the mountains of North Carolina and they remained there until moving to Mississippi in 2009 to be closer to family. “Doc,” as he was affectionately known, is described as having been a kind, patient, and generous person by all who knew him. He managed the declines of Parkinson’s disease with grace and humor, and without complaint. He was a loving and devoted husband for 63 years, and a kind and patient father. His oldest granddaughter named him “Boat” when he held her and pointed to the boats on the water from the balcony of their Florida home. He will forever be “Grandpa Boat” his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His grandson and a great-grandson both carry his name. Dr. Spencer is survived by his wife, Mrs. Zenia Davis Spencer, of Madison, Mississippi, son Mr. Lawrence Lynn Spencer (Debra) of Round Rock, Texas, and daughters Mrs. Susan Spencer Ringer (David) of Florence, Mississippi and Mrs. Patricia Katheryn Weatherford (Todd) of Jacksonville, Florida, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, or the church or charity of the donor’s choice.