Ralph Spencer, 74, of rural Columbia City, died at 2:18 a.m. Thursday, June 10, 2021, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, where he was admitted on Monday.

Born March 21, 1947, in Baseridge, Perry County, Kentucky, he was a son of the late Carl and Pearlie (Smith) Spencer. He grew up in Breathitt County, Kentucky, graduating from Breathitt High School in 1965.

In the early 1970s, he worked for the Indiana State Police as a weighmaster. He later was a truck driver and worked for the former Utah speaker plant in Huntington. For the past ten years, he lived in rural Columbia City.

An avid NASCAR fan, he enjoyed cheering for his favorite driver Dale Jarrett. In basketball season, he followed the Kentucky Wildcats games. Through the years, he maintained a large vegetable garden until he was unable. He was a former member of the Wolf Lake VFW.

Surviving are two children, Sonya N. Browne of Fort Wayne and Josh Spencer of Noblesville; grandchildren Jordain McDermott, Cassandra Mathiak, Trenton Spencer, Jocelyn Spencer; a great-grandchild, Madison McDermott; and siblings, Eugene (Debra) Spencer of Huntington, Tishie Storm of Minnesota, Odell (Rosie) Spencer of Fort Wayne and Thelma Wiegmann of Roanoke.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by brothers Ray and Hershel Spencer and a sister Effie Richey.

The funeral service is 3 p.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial will take place at a later date in Kentucky. Visitation is 1 p.m. until the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the family.