Gerald Frederick Spencer passed away on October 14, 2024. Jerry will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grands, family, and friends who loved him. He was born in Centralia, Illinois, to Opal Marie Garland and Gerald Glenwood Spencer on March 13, 1949. He was married to Ellen Aline McMackin Spencer for 30 years, who will miss him always. His children who greatly miss him are Marie Spencer Moore and husband Randy Moore, Margaret Spencer Fix and husband Eric Fix, Jacqulyn Spencer Negal and husband Dan Negal, and Gerald J Spencer and wife Jessica Neely Spencer. Also mourning his passing are Ellen's sons John David Wilson and wife Dr. Stacey Albin Wilson, and Paul Richard Wilson and wife Carrie Mueller Wilson. Grandfather to ten, Drake Wilson, Alex Joiner, Micah Wilson, Abram Wilson, Anna Wilson, Rian Fix, Tyne Moore, Hayden Mackey, Russel Negal, William Spencer, and great-granddaughter Violet Wilson. Sister Carmalee Spencer Johnson and husband Richard Johnson, brother Robert Spencer and wife Brenda Spencer, and his aunt Meryrt Oexeman. Numerous Garland and Spencer cousins and friends who all loved him. His parents predeceased him, sister Peggy Spencer Jones, and Ellen's son Andrew Scott Wilson.

Jerry grew up in Nashville, IL, and worked as a butcher for his uncle until he graduated from Nashville High School, Kaskaskia Community College, and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE). He also earned a master's degree from Webster University in Webster Groves, MO.  Jerry worked in finance in manufacturing and banking. He worked for US Steel in Granite City, IL for 22 years and then at North American Lighting in Salem, IL. For the rest of his career, he worked in upper management in banking. Jerry adored his wife, children, grans, family dogs, and one mystical cat. Always with a quick wit (why didn't we think of that?) he was strong, courageous, generous, and always ready for a big hug. He loved Anna Maria Island in Florida and was always ready to go and to find an adventure. He loved the water and was the head lifeguard in college at SIUE. But most of all, he always wanted to be with family and friends. He loved sitting on the shore with Eldo and Lumiere, watching the sunset over the Gulf on Anna Maria.

Arrangements for cremation by Barry Wilson in Maryville, IL. A private memorial will be held in November, and the burial will occur in East Lawn Cemetery in Salem, IL, at a later date.