Olney ‘Al’ Loren Spencer, age 88, met Jesus face-to-face on Friday, December 13, 2024. Those who knew him best, though saddened, take heart in knowing he is walking the streets of gold with a little pep in his step because he is reunited with his bride, the love of his life, Shirley. After over 63 years together, they are undoubtedly still wrapped up in a big, warm hug after being apart for the last 3 years. Their love story was cemented with a double elopement with another young couple across state lines on a holiday (Easter Monday) on April 7, 1958. This story was best told by Shirley, with her mischievous smile and lighthearted humor, and Al, who giggled in the background, adding in details as she hit the major plot points. It was a tale that was equal parts charming and playfully scandalous. Their love stood the test of time and was an inspiration to all who saw them together.

Al was born in Eldon, Missouri, on June 2, 1936, to Walter Tipton Spencer and Zelpha (Coffman) Spencer. He was one of six total siblings. Though born in Missouri, he spent most of his life in the Norfolk/Chesapeake, Virginia area. Al served in the United States Navy for 4 years on the USS Noa (DD-841), a time that sharpened and encouraged his already impressive mechanical aptitude. Al’s strong and capable hands rarely met a machine they couldn’t fix or a system they couldn’t improve. He built several of the beautiful homes he and Shirley lived in. If Al was on the job, the job would be done well; he walked into places and made them better. He worked as an HVAC Manager for John’s Brothers Heating and AC for 35 years and as the Maintenance Manager at Greenbrier Country Club for 5 years. He was a ‘salt of the earth’ kind of man who spoke more by his actions than his words. He worked hard and trusted in the Lord to provide for him. Al and Shirley were actively involved in their local church throughout their lives, and the Lord was gracious in rewarding their faithfulness.

Al and Shirley loved to travel and spent seven wonderful winters in their home-away-from-home in Mesa, Arizona upon retirement. There was fun to be had whenever Al and Shirley were around, with Al building the props in the background and Shirley working the room. They had a robust social life in both Arizona and Virginia. Al’s favorite pastime was cruising the open road on one of the many motorcycles or trikes he owned over the years, some of which he built himself. He loved just about anything with an engine and kept 2 cars in his garage up until the day he died, one for practical purposes and one for fun. The last several years of his life, Al could be found at the local Hardee’s or Burger King nearly every weekday morning enjoying a biscuit and gravy with a group of friends affectionately referred to as ‘the geezers.’

Al is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; parents, Walter and Zelpha Spencer; brothers, Gerald P. Spencer, Billie A. Spencer, and Donald T. Spencer; and sister, Sue Spencer Veron.

Al is survived by a brother, Walter Gary Spencer; two sons, Mark Wayne Spencer and Brian Jay (wife Barbara) Spencer; 5 grandchildren, Amy Spencer Campbell (husband Patrick), Andrew (wife Megan) Spencer, Angela Spencer Hollis (husband Bryan), Matthew (wife Maria) Spencer, and Tyler (wife Kala) Spencer; 9 great-grandchildren, James Owen & Noah Hagler, Camden & Charlotte Spencer, Brady and Colby Hollis, and Bella, Noah, & Lana Spencer; and a host of other cousins and extended family members. Most people knew him as Al, two knew him as Dad, and another two generations of lovely people knew him as ‘Granddaddy.’ He was a man of few words but infinite wisdom and understanding. He was humble, intelligent, ambitious, and respected, and he will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Olney ‘Al’ Spencer will go for his ‘last ride’ with the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA) at a later date with a private celebration of life ceremony to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA) cmausa.org, a group that was near and dear to Al’s heart for many years. Arrangements are in the care of Graham Funeral Home and Crematory, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake. Please visit grahamfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence to the family.