Robert "Bob" Elwood Spencer of Wilmington, NC passed away at the age of 79 on Thursday, December 10, 2020.

Bob was born on May 2, 1941 in Greensboro, NC to the late Robert Elwood Spencer and Fay Rees. On his fourth birthday, Bob suffered the tragic loss of his father.

Bob graduated from Henderson High School in 1959 and attended North Carolina State University. He left college early to serve his country in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He served on the USS Pine Island and later found great joy reconnecting with his shipmates at reunions. He returned from the war and completed his education at UNCW in 1970.

Bob married Martha Bradsher and though this marriage did not prove permanent, it brought him two children whom he loved very much. Bob and Martha always worked together in service to love and honor their children.

In his second marriage, to Sharon Spencer, Bob found lasting love and built a larger, blended family, which brought him more children and later, grandchildren. His blended family bonded strongly around him through the years. Sharon stood by Bob's side as he suffered through Parkinson's disease and cared for him to the end.

Bob's understated Christian faith was a powerful influence in his life. He was a devoted member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Wilmington, NC where he served as treasurer for many years.

From an early age, Bob loved travel and adventure. His service in the Navy exposed him to many nations and cultures. At the end of his military service, Bob took a solo motorcycle trip, cross country, from the San Diego Naval Base to his home, North Carolina. He loved the outdoors, specifically the southern Appalachian Mountains, and treasured annual visits to Mount LeConte Lodge. Bob and Sharon explored many national parks together and later in life took an incredible journey to Malaysia. He passed his love of travel and adventure to his children and grandchildren.

Bob is survived by Sharon Spencer, his wife of 31 years, his sister, Nancy Pugh King, his children, Andy Spencer, Emily Spencer, Christin Baker, and Jonathan Koehli, and his grandchildren, Meghan Lassiter, Morgan Baker, Maxine Spencer, Jackson Spencer, and Molly Spencer.

He is preceded in passing by his mother, Fay Pugh, his father, Robert Elwood Spencer, and his step-father, Benjamin Pugh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church in Wilmington at www.trinitynow.org

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the family will hold a celebration of Bob's life at a future date.