Edward Gehrig Spencer Sr.

Gehrig “Pops” Spencer was born in Southport, North Carolina on October 26,1938. He graduated from Southport High School and later attended Wilmington College. He also served in the United States Army.

Besides his family, Gehrig’s largest accomplishment was 32 years working for the State of North Carolina. Gehrig was a surveyor and worked his way up to a position as the manager of Fort Fisher State Historic Site where he spent much time gathering historical records and furthering the restoration of the fort. He also helped restore other N. C. Historic Sites and spent time as a reenactor at events at many of the sites. Upon his retirement in 1997, he was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from then Governor Jim Hunt for his dedication and service to the state of North Carolina. Fort Fisher also dedicated the auditorium in the visitor’s center at the site to him. He continued to be a historian within his family and always had a story to tell. When he wasn’t working, he loved to spend time hunting, fishing, working in the yard, playing softball and later coaching young people in the game, playing cards, and watching sports and old movies.

Gehrig was preceded in death by his father, Edward Porter Spencer, his mother, Hazel Christine Harvell, his stepfather, Bernice Gore, his sister, Connie Ellen Spencer and his loving wife of 41 years, Marjorie Olive Ferrell.

He is survived by his loving wife of 10 years, Maryanna Paul Spencer, one daughter, Laurel Spencer Bordeaux (Joey), one son, Edward Gehrig “Eddie” Spencer, Jr. (Susan), and three grandchildren, Sarah Elizabeth Higgins (Shane), Tylon Spencer Bordeaux, and Madeline Farlow.

The family will receive friends from 1:00PM to 3:00PM, Sunday, October 29, 2023 at Peacock, Newnam and White Funeral Home, Southport, N. C. with burial to follow in the Harvell Family Cemetery, Bolivia, N. C.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.