Melvin "Bobby" Spencer Dillard Jr.

Melvin Spencer Dillard (Bobby), age 78 of Cartersville, GA passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024. He was born in Savannah Georgia on December 26, 1945, to Melvin S. Dillard Sr. and Barbara Downing Dillard.

Spencer is preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles. Survivors include his wife of 51 years Marcia Hill Dillard; son Michael Spencer Dillard, daughter Catie (David) Fearon, grandson Spencer Hugh (Huey) Fearon, brother Robert (Teresa) Dillard, sister Julia (Mike) Black, brother-in-law Lamar (Lisa) Hill, nephews Chad (Julie) Black, Jake (Faye) Hill, and Jud (Shannon) Hill; along with other extended family.

Spencer was a graduate of Benedictine Military High School, and Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah. He was a proud member of the National Guard Reserve.

Following his graduation from college, Spencer moved to Atlanta to work as a Facilities Manger for the Georgia Department of Labor. After more than 30 years he retired at age 54 as Assistant Labor Commissioner.

At the age of 54 retirement wasn’t Spencer’s idea of fun so he started volunteering with the ladies at the Teacher Resource Center in Cartersville and became quite adept at die cutting and running a laminating machine. He adored the ladies he worked with because they started each day talking about what they’d have for lunch!

Recognizing his many talents, Spencer soon started teaching some of the classes through the Science Center which was a part of the Resource Center.

As a life-long learner, Spencer took classes to become a docent at the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville and in 2012 was hired by the Booth to help develop the tours offered to school children. He remained an employee of the Booth until his final retirement at the age of 71.

Spencer was a charter member of Trinity United Methodist Church, member of the crosstalk Sunday School Class in the early years, and recently served as assistant treasurer. He was an active member of the “Cardboard Crew” with Backpack Buddies and looked forward to serving with them every week.

He was a member of the Early Morning Optimist Club and served as President the last 8 years.

Spencer was a voracious reader, and, in his retirement, he loved sitting in his Grandfathers chair and reading one of the many authors of mystery and detective novels that he loved.

More than anything he loved his family. He was a devoted Husband, Father, and Grandfather. His greatest joy in his later years was spending time with his family, especially his grandson with whom he had many long scientific discussions.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted on Saturday November 16, 2024, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Cartersville. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 am with the service beginning at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Trinity United Methodist Church and earmarked for Trinity’s “Restore and Refresh” Campaign or Trinity United Methodist Church “Backpack Buddies” in memory of Spencer.

Please visit www.owenfunerals.com to leave online condolences for the family. Owen Funeral Home 12 Collins Dr, Cartersville, GA is honored to serve the Dillard family.