John R Spencer

John Rolland Spencer, age 76 of Paris, TN, died on Friday, February 27, 2026, at his residence.

He was born May 15, 1949, in Paris, IL, to the late Rolland John Spencer and the late Beulah Dittoe Spencer.

John married Paula Jackson Spencer on November 6, 1970. Paula survives of Paris, TN.

He worked as an engineer for 30 years, living in Michigan, then Kansas City, before eventually returning home to Paris. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Paris, where he served as a Sunday school teacher and as a Gideon. He earned his master’s degree from Texas A&M University. His career allowed him to travel the world as a global manager. He began his professional journey with the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

He enjoyed growing up on the farm, and later in life, working on the farm became one of his favorite hobbies. He loved being a grandfather.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by his children, Ami (Curt) Billman of Manassas, VA, Sara Spencer of Macon, MO, and Jonathan (Molly) Spencer of San Diego, CA; twelve grandchildren, Noah Billman, Isaiah Billman, Zachary Wangerin, Blake Wangerin, Madelyn Spencer, Jaxon Spencer, Jonah Spencer, Maylee Spencer, Aaron Esque, Kieleigh Esque, Nevneh Esque, Ashton Thurston, and Kiera Hanlon; one great-grandchild, Eliana Glasgow.

Ridgeway Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with the memorial service to be at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Trent Bullock and Steve Gallimore officiating.

Memorials may be made to The American Kidney Foundation 11921 Rockville Pike Ste 300, Rockville, MD 20852 or the Gideons Camp of Henry County, PO Box 583, Paris, TN 38242.