Donald Rayford Spencer

Donald “Rayford” Spencer, age 79, passed away Thursday, July 28, 2016 at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Born August 15, 1936 in Catawba County, he was the son of the late Hurbert Leroy Spencer and Myrtle Artila Propst. Rayford worked for Dennison Machine Tool for 22 ½ years and retired from Classic Leather after 29 years of service. He enjoyed working in his garden and he loved spending time with his family, especially his triplet grandsons. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Adolphus, Terry, and H.L. Spencer; sisters, Fleta Bolick and Macie Norris. Rayford is survived by his loving wife, Jean Spencer, of the home; sons, Phillip “Lee” Spencer and wife, Joanna of Midland, NC, Donald Ray Spencer and wife, Donna; grandsons, Aiden Spencer, Dawson Spencer, Gavin Spencer, all of Conover; sisters, Emily Christenbury of Conover, NC, Margery Cline and husband, Luther of Bethlehem, NC, and Wilma Kersey of High Point, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 31, 2016 at St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Mo. Synod, with Rev. David Ziehr officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 30, 2016 at Hickory Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Stephens Lutheran Church Mo. Synod, 2304 Springs Rd., Hickory, NC 28601.