Thomas Darrell Spencer
<p>Darrell Spencer, 89 years old, died at home with his family at Givens Highland Farms on March 9, 2024. </p><p><br></p><p>Darrell was born in High Point and moved to Lexington, NC during his teen years. He spent his working years in Raleigh, after retiring, he moved to Lexington, NC to assist his mother. After his mother’s death, in 2008 Darrell and Mary Fran moved to Givens Highland Farms, in Black Mountain. </p><p><br></p><p>Darrell obtained his undergraduate degree at N.C. State and his doctorate at Duke University. He taught Industrial Arts in the Raleigh City Schools and was an administrator prior to employment with the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. Beginning as a consultant in the Division of School planning, Darrell advanced to Assistant State Superintendent. Following his state employment, he worked twelve years consulting as an educational facility planner.</p><p><br></p><p>Darrell authored many publications on school facility planning and was a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops. In 1993, the Council of Educational Facility Planners, International named him, “Planner of the Year.”</p><p><br></p><p>While Darrell had many interests, none were as important as his family. He was faithful to his and Mary Fran’s parents until their deaths. He maintained contact with friends and relatives and was always loving and supportive of his children and grandchildren. Darrell and Mary Fran combined travel, RV’ing, work and family. Darrell was also an avid motorcyclist and loved his BMW Tarheel Travelers. Volunteering was also important; Darrell was a volunteer with Meals on Wheels for many years and an active community member at Givens Highland Farms Retirement Community and his church. </p><p><br></p><p>Darrell is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mary Fran Oliver Spencer of Whiteville, NC. He is also survived by his children, Darrell (Spence) Spencer, Jr. (Luisa Kolker) of Santa Fe; April Spencer (Will Davidson) of Asheville; and Joy Spencer of Black Mountain. Grandchildren include Maya and Ava Allen of Black Mountain. Jean Swicegood, sister, (Eddie Swicegood) lives in Morehead City, NC. Darrell is also survived by Sharon Spencer of Winston-Salem, Judi Ashe of Santa Fe, and Daniel Allen of Folly Beach.</p><p><br></p><p>The family wishes to thank the staff at Givens Highland Farms and Four Seasons Hospice.</p><p><br></p><p>A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 23rd at 11:30 am at Givens Highland Farms in the Brookside assembly room (beside the dining hall) with reception to follow.</p><p><br></p><p>Contributions can be made to Givens Highland Farms Resident’s Fund or to Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church General Endowment Fund.</p><p><br></p>Obituary
Darrell Spencer, 89 years old, died at home with his family at Givens Highland Farms on March 9, 2024.
Darrell was born in High Point and moved to Lexington, NC during his teen years. He spent his working years in Raleigh, after retiring, he moved to Lexington, NC to assist his mother. After his mother’s death, in 2008 Darrell and Mary Fran moved to Givens Highland Farms, in Black Mountain.
Darrell obtained his undergraduate degree at N.C. State and his doctorate at Duke University. He taught Industrial Arts in the Raleigh City Schools and was an administrator prior to employment with the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. Beginning as a consultant in the Division of School planning, Darrell advanced to Assistant State Superintendent. Following his state employment, he worked twelve years consulting as an educational facility planner.
Darrell authored many publications on school facility planning and was a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops. In 1993, the Council of Educational Facility Planners, International named him, “Planner of the Year.”
While Darrell had many interests, none were as important as his family. He was faithful to his and Mary Fran’s parents until their deaths. He maintained contact with friends and relatives and was always loving and supportive of his children and grandchildren. Darrell and Mary Fran combined travel, RV’ing, work and family. Darrell was also an avid motorcyclist and loved his BMW Tarheel Travelers. Volunteering was also important; Darrell was a volunteer with Meals on Wheels for many years and an active community member at Givens Highland Farms Retirement Community and his church.
Darrell is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mary Fran Oliver Spencer of Whiteville, NC. He is also survived by his children, Darrell (Spence) Spencer, Jr. (Luisa Kolker) of Santa Fe; April Spencer (Will Davidson) of Asheville; and Joy Spencer of Black Mountain. Grandchildren include Maya and Ava Allen of Black Mountain. Jean Swicegood, sister, (Eddie Swicegood) lives in Morehead City, NC. Darrell is also survived by Sharon Spencer of Winston-Salem, Judi Ashe of Santa Fe, and Daniel Allen of Folly Beach.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Givens Highland Farms and Four Seasons Hospice.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 23rd at 11:30 am at Givens Highland Farms in the Brookside assembly room (beside the dining hall) with reception to follow.
Contributions can be made to Givens Highland Farms Resident’s Fund or to Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church General Endowment Fund.
Events
11:30 AM
BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC 28711