Clarence Marshall Spencer, Sr.

Clarence Marshall (Spence) Spencer was born in Newport, Kentucky on May 25, 1938 to William and Viola Spencer (Burley).

He attended Cincinnati Public Schools. Three months prior to graduating from Robert A. Taft High School, Clarence joined the U.S. Marine Corps during the build up of hostilities in Vietnam. He completed Boot Camp in San Diego, California. After three months of Naval Security at the Indian Island Ammo Depot in Port Townsend, he was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division (Reinforced) FMF Company C, 3rd Recon Battalion. Based out of Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, he was deployed to various locations in the Western Pacific for the next 14 months. Corporal (E-4) Spencer was honorably discharged on June 7, 1960.

In 1961, Clarence worked as an orderly at Cincinnati General Hospital and transferred to the Veterans Hospital as a Nursing Assistant in 1964. Spence joined the Cincinnati Police Division as a Police Recruit on March 22, 1965. Spence was promoted to Patrolman on June 28, 1965 and assigned to District 4. In 1970, he transferred to the Tactical Patrol Section and two months later, he transferred to the Intelligence Unit. On May 16, 1976, he was promoted to Police Specialist where he wrangled badge PS-1. Clarence received a degree in Sociology from Xavier University in Cincinnati while working in the Intelligence Unit. He transferred to District 5 in May 1984 and on October 27, 1985, Specialist Spencer returned to the Intelligence Section. Almost four years later, he transferred to the Police Academy.

Clarence married the love of his life, Carol on December 31, 1986 after dating for five years. After 3½ years in the Academy and Recruiting Unit, Specialist Spencer retired on January 2, 1993 with 36 years of service to his country and community and 28 letters of appreciation and /or commendation.

In January 1993, Clarence joined the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts and served as a Deputy Bailiff. In 1996, Clarence joined the United States Marshals Service and served as a Court Security Officer.

Clarence was baptized at Jerriel Baptist Church at the age of eight. As an adult, he was a faithful member of Southern Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. James E. Milton where he served as a Deacon, taught Sunday School and sang in the Male Chorus. He was a member of the Paul-Timothy Ministry, served as an Associate Minister and served in the Youth and Children’s Church and taught Vacation Bible School for over 20 years with his wife. Clarence was Co-Pastor for over 15 years at Leap of Faith Ministries with his wife, Carol. He later attended Beloved Community Church under the leadership of Rev. Nelson Pierce, Jr. By Proclamation, Mayor John Cranley of Cincinnati declared May 25, 2018 as “Clarence Spencer Day” in the City of Cincinnati.

Clarence was preceded in death by his son, Clarence Spencer, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife, Carol; his sister, Dorothy Spencer; his brother, John Smith; children, Doreen Dillard, Clarise Spencer, Lamont Spencer (Mary), Libby Felton, Anthony Wayne, Angela Dangerfield (Isaac), LeAnne Palmore and Daniel (Gabrielle) Palmore; his grandchildren, Ivory, Cayla (Chris), Marshalla (Sophen), Chantal, Ciara, Marshall, Joe’l, Nyla, Zachary, Zephaniah, Devin, Douglas, Nehemiah and Helena; his great-grandchildren, Demetrius, Malachi and Francis; fond friends, Tom Spicker, Joe Hall, Carissima Joseph, Will Dangerfield, Christi Richardson, Vonnie Risola, Ken Moon, Joanne Rutledge, Daisy Moon, Esther and Steve Mills and Tricia Flowers; and a host of family and friends.

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