John Carlo Spencer

John Carlo Spencer, born January 3, 1941, in Bologna, Italy, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by devotion—to his family, his faith, his country, and the communities he served. His story began in Europe, where he spent his early childhood in Hamburg, Germany until the age of seven. In 1948, his family immigrated to the United States, and at just fifteen years old, Carlo proudly became a U.S. citizen—a milestone that shaped the deep patriotism he carried throughout his life. He was a graduate of Jackson High School, Jackson, Tennessee—Class of 1959.

Carlo’s curiosity and gift for seeing how things fit together led him to pursue a degree in engineering. He attended Vanderbilt University and later Texas A&M University, where he built the foundation for a distinguished career as a mechanical engineer. His career began with Armour Foods in Memphis, Tennessee, and in Kansas City, Missouri, where he worked until 1979. He later moved to Jackson, Tennessee, where he continued his work with Consolidated Aluminum/Ormet until 2008.

Carlo served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1966 as a member of C Company, 150th Engineer Battalion. During that time, he spent one year deployed in Vietnam, where he fulfilled his duties with steadiness, professionalism, and deep commitment to those he served alongside. His military service remained one of the great honors of his life.

Faith guided Carlo’s steps every day. For decades, he faithfully attended Ararat Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and lived out his belief in compassion, service, and community. He was known for always helping others and for being someone people could count on. His presence was a steady anchor in the life of the church.

Carlo’s love of athletics and mentorship created another lasting legacy. He devoted more than 40 years to officiating high school sports, a role he carried out with fairness, consistency, and deep respect for the athletes and coaches he served. As a longtime member of the TSSAA, he became a familiar and trusted presence on fields and courts across West Tennessee. In his later years, he served as a football supervisor, guiding younger officials and helping maintain the high standards of sportsmanship he valued so deeply. He also served as a volunteer assistant softball coach at Union University, encouraging athletes with patience, humor, and a deep belief in their potential. At Union basketball games, he kept the clock—an unassuming but essential role he carried out with pride and absolute reliability. His contributions to sports earned him induction into both the Madison County Sports Hall of Fame and the Union University Hall of Fame, honors that reflected not only his achievements but the profound impact he had on generations of students and athletes.

Those who knew Carlo remember him as a man of integrity, kindness, and strength. He was a devoted father, husband, a loyal friend, and a steady presence in every community he touched. He lived with purpose, served with humility, and loved with a full and generous heart. Whether through his church, his work, or simply lending a helping hand, he found genuine joy in helping others.

Carlo was preceded in death by his parents, Lawson Watt Spencer, and Wilma Schultz Spencer, of Spring Creek, Tennessee, and by his half-brother, Lawson Watt Spencer, Jr., of El Paso, Texas.

Carlo leaves behind a life that will be remembered with gratitude, admiration, and deep affection. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 65 years, Polly Spencer, and by his children: Laura Beth Brooks (Richard), Melissa Davis (Randy), and John Spencer II (Niki). He was a proud grandfather to Spencer Brooks (Kenzie), Lindsay deMarigny (Caleb), Camryn Spencer and her fiancé Shane, and Kenly Davis. His legacy continues through his great‑grandchildren—Luca Brooks, Sunny Jo Brooks, Warren Brooks, Ella deMarigny, and Lennon deMarigny—each a joyful reminder of the enduring impact of his life, love, and kindness. He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, and a brother-in-law, who held a special place in his heart and loved him deeply.

SERVICES: A time with family and friends will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, in the sanctuary of Ararat Baptist Church from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. Todd Brady officiating. Burial will follow in the Church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Richard Brooks, John Spencer, Randy Davis, Spencer Brooks, Caleb deMarigny, and Randy Bardwell. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Powell, Freddy Garrett, Mike Barnes the Men’s Sunday school class and deacons.

In John’s memory the family requests in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to Ararat Baptist Church, 3608 Brownsville Highway, Jackson, TN 38305 or online at www.araratbaptist.com.