Ray Mitchell Spencer, 89, a resident of 1289 Loop Road, Sladesville community, died early Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, at UHS–Beaufort Hospital.

Born in Hyde County, Nov. 25, 1922, he was the son of the late Sammie G. and Eva Williams Spencer. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy having served during World War II and was married to the former Betty Thomas who preceded him in death in 1986. Following her death, he was later married to Daphne O’Neal Spencer who survives.

Mr. Ray was a lifelong Methodist and was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Sladesville. He served many years as a member of the Board of Directors of The East Carolina Bank and was a member of Swan Quarter Lions Club. He was a longtime farmer and was active in many farm-related organizations and endeavors including Past President of Hyde County Farm Bureau, Past President of North Carolina Soybean Association, past member of N. C. Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Epworth United Methodist Church in Sladesville. Pastor Sue Farlow will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Surviving are a son, Glenn S. Spencer and wife Myra of Sladesville; a stepson, Edward O’Neal and wife Bonnie of Elizabeth City; grandchildren, Dawn S. Armstrong and husband Darren of Ponzer, Heather S. Ballance and husband Marcus of Washington, Stuart Spencer and wife Miranda of Holly Springs; step-grandson, Richard O’Neal and wife Nicole and daughter Kylie, all of California; great-grandchildren, Jonah Armstrong, Braden Armstrong, Trent Armstrong, Audrey Spencer, Carter Ballance and Maggie Rae Ballance; and beloved nieces and nephews, Richard Credle, Jeff Credle, Betty Foreman, A.T. Credle, Paula Morgan, Linda Amerson and their families.

He was also preceded in death by a sister, Grace S. Mitchell.

Memorials are suggested to Epworth United Methodist Church, c/o Mrs. Elaine S. Tooley 762 Lynsburg Road, Scranton NC 27875.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. tonight at Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter. Online sympathy messages may be directed to www.bryanfs.com.