Richard Dale "Dick" Spencer, 87, of Gillespie, Ill., died on Friday, July 15, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Dick was born Oct. 11, 1934, in Dorchester, to Jesse and Mayme (Wolhert) Spencer. His wife of almost 63 years, Rita (Wheeler) Spencer, survives.

Dick graduated from Gillespie High School in 1952. He was instrumental in getting the FFA started at Gillespie High School. He attended the University of Illinois from 1952-1953 and served in the U.S. Army until he was called back to the farm to work. Dick started showing purebred Duroc hogs in 1948 in 4-H. Dick and his brother Ralph attended many shows and sales over 60 years. Dick was a longtime member of the Macoupin County Fair board and the Macoupin County Pork producers. Dick and Rita lived and farmed at their Gillespie residence since their marriage in 1959. Dick loved playing fast pitch softball. He loved watching the Fighting Illini football and basketball and was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. He was very proud to watch all of his sons participate in sports at Gillespie High School. Dick loved spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Rita Spencer of Gillespie; sons, Rick (Julie) Spencer of Gillespie, Rod (Heidi) Spencer of Troy, Roger Spencer of Springfield, Richard Spencer of Shiloh, Randy Spencer of Burlington, Iowa; sister, Mary Clark of Modesto; grandchildren, Ryan, Miranda, Nicholas, Jarod, Justin, Camden, Kylan; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William, Donald, Ralph; and sister, Francis.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 23, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Gillespie First United Methodist Church. Funeral services will follow at the church at 12 noon. Burial will be at Wheeler Cemetery in Gillespie.

Memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church, Gillespie. Condolences may be left online at http://www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.