Dickson H. Spencer

Dickson Hall Spencer, 80, a distinguished professional and devoted husband, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville. 

Born on June 29, 1944, in Poughkeepsie, New York, to the late Jack Everett and Eleanor Miriam Bahret Spencer, he left an indelible mark on both his career and his community throughout his lifetime.

His educational achievements laid a robust foundation for his career. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1963 and later obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Rutgers University in 1966, where he was a proud member of the Theta Chi Fraternity. Furthering his academic pursuits, he earned a Master of Business Administration in Industrial Management from the Wharton Graduate School of Commerce and Finance at the University of Pennsylvania in 1968.

Additionally, Mr. Spencer dedicated himself to military service, proudly serving in the United States Army National Guard in Washington, D.C., from 1968 to 1974. This experience complemented his professional life with a sense of commitment to his country.

Mr. Spencer's career was hallmarked by significant contributions within the United States Department of Defense, where he was employed by the Defense Supply Agency from 1966 to 1974, a period during which he became a part of the management of the Department of Defense's global supply chain. After his tenure there, he transitioned to Owens-Illinois, Inc., one of America's leading glass bottle manufacturers, where he served until his retirement as a sales executive in 2000.

Beyond his impressive career, Mr. Spencer was known for his volunteerism. Since 2003, he lent his time and talents at the American Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, while also serving at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War in New Market since 2004. His engagement with history reflected his deep appreciation for his heritage, as evidenced by his membership in the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Additionally, he was a published author of family history.

Mr. Spencer is survived by his beloved wife, Marlyn Elizabeth Morris Spencer; his sister and brother-in-law, Sallie Marie Spencer Meffert and her husband, Michael David Meffert, and Robert Clemmons Surman; and his nieces and nephews, Michael Mueller, Susan Mueller Bruner, Scott Mueller, Matthew Mueller, Michael Surman, Lisa Surman Kelleher, David Spencer Meffert, and Stephanie Meffert Vetter.

All services will be private.