Thomas Ernest Spencer Jr. | Eastern NC Now

    Thomas Ernest Spencer Jr. age 69, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at his residence in Washington, NC.

    To honor his wishes, his cousins will spread his ashes on the graves of his mother and father in the Amity Church Cemetery in the Township of Lake Landing, Hyde County.

    Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Ernest Spencer Sr. and Elsie Lane Roper Spencer. "Tommy" as he was known by friends and family studied Writing and History, his lifelong passions, at East Carolina University and worked for many years in retail sales. His true passions were deeper than his education and career. He could always be counted on to instill passion in others whether it be talking politics or taking his younger cousins for walks through local cemeteries and reminding them of the importance of those of the past. He always told the best ghost stories and instilled fear and excitement into visiting family members. A true historian of eastern North Carolina he passed on knowledge by bringing history into focus through the eyes of those who came before us.

    Thomas is survived by his Aunts Julianna Roper Forbes (Wildon) in Elizabeth City NC and Jacquelyn Roper Sawyer (John) in Webster MA, Uncle Henry Lee Roper Jr, (Susan) in Bristol TN, many cousins and dear friends who provided companionship and assistance, including Jesse Powers, Brenda Foster and Ric Carter.

    Brenda's touching words speak to his friendship and passion for writing: "Thomas Spencer, some called "Tommy", and some called him Tom", Rest in Peace my friend. You were such a good friend to me. There were very few days that we didn't talk over the phone. You were the friend that I could tell anything to. You took care of your mom, Elsie Spencer, whom I loved dearly until the end. Many knew her as she worked at Washington Daily News for many years along with her husband, Tom Spencer, the Publishing Manager of the newsroom for countless years. My condolences to his wonderful Aunt and Uncle, the Sawyers, whom always made sure his needs were fulfilled. He loved you dearly. I will miss you always. It seems like my phone should be ringing this morning, as you very seldom missed a morning calling me. Love you always, my dear friend. I will keep your book that you didn't quite finish in my heart always. I know it would have been a bestseller as your journalism skills were brilliant, just like your dad's."

    Memorial contributions may be made to Hyde County Historical and Genealogical Society.

    Condolences may be addressed to the family online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Spencer family.