Jasper Dean Spencer Sr.

SPENCER WALNUT COVE Jasper “Jap” D. Spencer, Sr. was born May 11, 1938, in Stokes County and passed away on August 12, 2024, as a proud lifelong resident of Walnut Cove, NC. He was with his wife of 61 years when he died suddenly at the age of 86. Jasper was lovingly known as Jap and Papa Jap to friends and family. Jap had a great love for his family, cherished his faith in God, vigorously supported his Duke Blue Devils, loved living life and sharing the stories of his life with friends, family, and strangers alike. While serving in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer with the 549th MP Company at Ft. Davis, Panama, he married his one true love. After his service ended, he began his 30-year career with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company where he retired as a Special Accounts Manager responsible for managing large accounts with companies like Gant Oil and Quality Oil. The consummate salesman, upon retiring Jap started his “peddling” business (or as he would also say, “my retirement hobby”) selling goods and trinkets to privately-owned “country” stores across Stokes and Forsyth Counties like the one his mother operated on Rosebud Road for decades. He thrived on the relationships he formed with the countless people he met throughout his life, career, and peddling business. More than anything, Jap loved hosting the entire family at his home for birthdays, holidays, special occasions, or for no reason at all. He took great pride in his family and loved each and every minute he was able to spend with them. During the last several decades of his life, he valiantly battled multiple cancers and cardiac events until his amazing positive spirit could no longer carry him through. He will be missed and revered in death. He is survived by his wife Shelby Spencer; Children, Jennifer Spencer Moran (Robert), Jasper D. Spencer Jr. (Karen), his youngest daughter Julie Spencer (partner Robert Chappell); and his younger brother Johnny Spencer (Jan). He also had five grandchildren Ellen Spencer, Katherine Spencer, Lola Moran, Lily Spencer, and Jasper D. “Jay” Spencer, III, and many nephews and nieces. He had two best friends; he often reminisced about escapades from his youth with Don White and enjoyed countless fishing trips with Don Brittain. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, John Lee and Lola Hawkins Spencer, and three sisters and brothers-in-law, Phyllis Young (Dean) Virginia Townsend, and Nancy Plunkett (Booney). There will be a 12:00 pm funeral service held on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Palmyra Methodist Church with Pastor Tim Nelson officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm at Palmyra Methodist Church and other times at his home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Peniel Pentecostal Holiness Church, c/o Barbara Lawson, 3239 Rosebud Road, Walnut Cove NC 27052. Online condolences may be made at www.burroughsfuneralhome.com Burroughs Funeral Home, Walnut Cove is honored to be serving the Spencer family.

Jasper Dean Spencer Sr.

May 11, 1938 - August 12, 2024