Rev. James Anthony Spencer, age 67

Rev. James Anthony Spencer, age 67 of Forest City died Saturday, February 11, 2023.

Tony, as he was known, was born July 11, 1955, in Greenville County, SC and was a son of the late Charles Alton Spencer and Ophelia Bradley Spencer. Growing up in Taylors, he was a member of Fairview Baptist Church and a graduate of Greer High School. Tony earned degrees at North Greenville Junior College, Carson-Newman College and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Tony became the Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church in 1982 and remained there until retirement. His tenure spanned nearly 40 years.

He was a member of American Choral Directors Association. He was co-founder of Cheerful Voices Choir and was Director of Rutherford Community Chorus. Tony served as a choral clinician at the N C Baptist Assembly over the course of 20 years. He was a participant in N C Handbell and Choral festivals, and member of Southern Appalachian Chamber Singers. He served as an adjunct professor and mentor at Gardner-Webb University.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Bradley Spencer.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Becky Stroud Spencer, son, Charles Spencer and girlfriend, Rachel Szymanski both of Charlotte, daughter Meredith Spencer Frees and husband Nick of Bradenton, FL, one grandson, one granddaughter, mother-in-law, Doris Stroud of Shelby, sister-in-law, Patricia Spencer of Greenville, SC and one niece.

A service of Resurrection and Thanksgiving was held February 15 at First Baptist Church Forest City. Rev. Dr. Garin Hill, Rev. Clyde V. Buckner and Rev. Dr. Diane Nelson officiated.

The family request memorials in his memory be made to First Baptist Church, 211 W. Main St., Forest City, NC 28043.

An online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com