Richard "Ric" Spencer

Richard “Ric” Spencer, 73, of Hope, formerly of Columbus, passed away on September 12, 2025. He was born in Columbus on December 8, 1951, to the late Carl Spencer, and Wanda (Hathaway) Miller. Ric was a member of the Columbus High School class of 1970, and a proud Veteran of the United States Army. He attended IU Southeast, considering an accounting career before falling in love with over-the-road trucking. He worked for more than 2 decades as a truck driver, enjoying a stop at many casinos on the way to his destination. A talented musician, he played bass in several bands through the years. He loved to throw back a few cold ones and go fishing with his boys, and bragged about his kids to anyone who wanted to listen (and some who didn’t). He wasn’t here for a long enough time, but he was sure here for a good time. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his youngest son, Aaron Spencer; brother, Dan Spencer; sister, Linda Grant; and stepmother, Yvonne Spencer. Survivors include his children, Stephen (Patty Smith) Spencer; Stephanie (Kacy Littleton) Spencer; grandchildren, Crystal (Ian) Pumphrey, Logan (Courtney) Fox, and Cole (Alisha) Spencer; great-grandchildren, Randall Pumphrey, Winter Fox, and Avery, Serenity, and Jensen Spencer; former wife, but still good friend, Connie (Trotter) Allred; and sister-in-law, JoAnn Spencer. Cremation arrangements are being handled by Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Visit www.jewellrittman.com to share your favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.