Obituary of John Thomas Spencer

John Thomas Spencer was born on February 16, 1943 in Cattaraugus, New York to the late Robert Thomas Spencer and Margaret Jane Taylor Spencer. John was one of three sons born to this union. Besides his parents; brother, Ronald Robert Spencer also preceded him in death. John was raised in New York and went to college at Alfred University. He went to work for American Greetings Corporation after graduating college. The company opened a plant here in Lafayette, Tennessee and John later moved here to become plant manager, in 1982. John stayed with the company for thirty-five years, before retiring in 2000. Everyone that knew John appreciated what he stood for. He was a strong man, but with a caring and giving heart. John put in a lot of hours, trying to help Macon County prosper. He was a member of the Lafayette Rotary Club and served as president in 1992 and 1993. In 1992, John was also president of the Chamber of Commerce. John also supported Macon County's, "Relay for Life Teams" and helped his employees each year to raise money. He has three children, Shane, Garth, and Coffee, who could always count on him as a father and a friend. Family was top priority to John. He never missed going to a grandchild's ball game and most of the time you heard him yelling from the bleachers. John was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed watching all types. He was the owner of walking horses for a time and enjoyed showing them. He had won several ribbons and trophies during this time. John also enjoyed teeing off at the golf course with his friends, and playing cards; on his days off. On Saturday, August 18, 2012 at the age of 69, John departed this world. Macon County lost a man of great magnitude, and John's family loss a loving father and dear friend. John is survived by; Daughters and Son-in-law, Shane Elizabeth (Scottie Lane) Sliger, and Daughter, Coffee Middaugh, Son, Garth Middaugh, Granddaughter, Dani Deshai Tirjan and Jonathan Whittemore, Grandson, Jeffrey Robert Thomas Sliger, Great Grandsons, Tallon Bryce Whittemore and Leevi Lane Sliger, Brother, Terrance James (Patricia)Spencer. A Memorial Service was conducted Tuesday, August 21 from the Chapel of Alexander Funeral Home with Mike Rogers officiating. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers were; Mike McClard, Wayne King, Demps Breeding, Connie "P-Nut" Wilburn, Jerry Driver, Jimmy Henson, Ronnie Wilburn, Steve Barnard, Randall Polston, and David Junker. Family requests memorials in the form of donations be made to the Macon County Relay for Life, these can be made at the funeral home office. Alexander Funeral Home, Directors, in charge of arrangements. (615)666-2189 or www.alexanderfh.com