Dr. Gilbert O. Spencer

August 21, 1935 - December 2, 2016

Dr. Gilbert O. Spencer, Jr, age 81, died Friday, Dec. 2, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle. He was born August 21, 1935, to Gilbert O. and Mary Kate Phillips Spencer in Jeff , AL , and was a graduate of Vernon High School , in Vernon , AL . He attended the University of Alabama where he was a member of several honor societies and served as head of the student chapter of Wesley Foundation as well as the Alabama State Vice President of Wesley. He attended the Medical College of Alabama on full scholarship. Upon completion of medical school and internship, he began a surgical residency under Dr. Champ Lyons. He served in the Army at Fort Polk , in Leesville , LA , and returned after his service to complete his residency with Dr. Lyons. He began his medical practice in general surgery in Columbus , MS in 1966.

Always involved in the medical community in Columbus , MS , he served as chief of staff, and also on the Administrative Board at Golden Triangle Medical Center where he played an active role in the design and construction of the original facility. He also served on the Heritage Academy School Board.

Dr. Spencer was a member of First United Methodist Church of Columbus and served on the Board of Trustees, Administrative Board, Finance Committee and as Treasurer. He was a regular Sunday school teacher in the ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Lewis Fellowship Sunday School class for many years. He also brought his creative talent and hobbies into service at the church. The crucifix used during Holy Week and the cross that hangs over the organ pipes in the Sanctuary are just some of the many projects he designed and made.

Dr. Spencer is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Ella Mary Conrad Spencer, and his son, Gilbert O. Spencer, III. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Robinson Spencer, his dear cousin, Ann Dew Anglin (Joe), his daughters, Laura Spencer Maxwell (Birmingham, AL) and Linda Spencer Ellis (Alexandria, LA); his grandchildren, Charles Allen Maxwell, Jr (Chrystal), Alexandra Ellis Netherland (Scott), John Carter Maxwell, Morgan Leah Ellis, and Tyler Joseph Spencer.

Pallbearers are George Boyd, Bobby Harper, Taylor Smith, Mike Batson, Charles Dahlke, Bob Howland, Andy Tentoni, and Donald Bush.

Honorary pallbearers are the Lewis Fellowship Class, Dr. Jerry Stinnett, Dr. Perrin Smith, Dr. Gerry Jeffcoat, Dr. Charles Rhea, Dr. Chris LeBrun, Dr. Doyle Sumrall, Dr. David Macias, Dr. Mark Ellis, Dr. Mike Duckworth, Dr. James Woodard, Dr. Lance Busch, and Ms. Cheryl Abernathy.

Visitations will be held from 6-8 pm, Tuesday, Dec 6, at Memorial Funeral Home. Memorial & Gunter & Peel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The service of celebration of life of Dr. Spencer at First United Methodist Church at 11am with a visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. in the fellowship hall prior to the service..

Memorials may be made to: First United Methodist Church , P O Box 32 , Columbus , MS , Good Samaritan Clinic, P O Box 662 , Columbus , MS 39703 or JDRF.