Spencer graduated from Clements High School, and Calhoun Community College. He served a variety of professions before being appointed as the Limestone County Civil Defense Director in 1971, soon to become the Emergency Management Agency. At the time he was salaried at $425 per month operating out of the basement of the old county jail.

Spencer soon met his spouse of 42 years, Marcia Edmunds, at the insistence of older brother Johnny, who helped in planning a blind date for the two. Johnny says he did Spencer the best favor he has had in his life. “One date, and Marcia has been spoiling him ever since,” added Johnny. They were married in 1966 and Marcia soon became a teacher at Clements. She also taught at Athens High, and Butler High, before retiring after 30 years.

They share proud parenthood of son Jason, and daughter Samantha. Jason and wife Velvet have two daughters pictured above, Jasey age 8, and Allie age 4. Samantha and husband Eric Fleming have two sons, Miles age 6, and Jake age 6 months. It’s obvious from the picture that all four have Spencer tightly wrapped around each finger and pretty well get anything they want. Spencer has announced his upcoming retirement so he can enjoy even more of his grandchildren.

Spencer has met numerous challenges for this county throughout the years. Among the first he mentions were the tornadoes of April 3, 1974, and the partnership required to effectively support the Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant. “It has been a battle at times to properly equip all the first responders in Limestone County with radios, equipment, and training so they will all be prepared in the event of an emergency. I have enjoyed the many relationships with all the different departments throughout the county. This is one of the best prepared groups in the Nation, and most of it is because we have all grown up with a sense of working together,” said Black.

Sheriff Blakely credits Spencer with keeping Limestone County “ahead of the curve in preparedness”. “When everyone started talking about interoperable communications and joint incident commands referring to Katrina and 911, we all remarked that Spencer had us doing those type things years ago. Spencer has been a remarkable EMA Director for almost 4 decades. We will miss his willingness to lobby anybody from the Governor to Congress to get funding for this county and all its emergency services. I value his dedication, and professionalism, as well as depending on him as a very close personal friend, and we are proud to honor him during the Rodeo,” added Sheriff Blakely.