Obituary of Lynwood F Spencer

Lynwood F. Spencer, “Woody”, lifelong resident of Riverside, New Jersey, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 2, 2020, after a long and courageous fight with Lymphoma and, more recently, Leukemia.

 

LEGACY

Son, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, Cousin, Soldier, Patrolman, Detective, Sergeant, Vice President, Chaplain, and Friend; these are just a few of the roles that Woody filled throughout his life. He was an ominous and imposing figure standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, but to all that knew and loved him, Woody was the proverbial “Gentle Giant."  Words to describe him would be kind, compassionate, honest, caring, loyal, and loving. Family came first and he was always there for his loved ones.  His loved ones will miss his signature phrases such as “Good morning”, no matter what time of the day it was, or “What’s up Kid” or “ Hey Kid.”

Born and raised in Riverside, New Jersey, Woody was an active member of his community.  He graduated high school and enlisted in the United States Army where he was proud to serve his country during the Vietnam War. He then went on to serve his community as an Edgewater Park Township Police Officer where he worked his way through the ranks and served as a patrolman and detective. He retired after 33 years of service as a Sergeant.  During his time with the department he was active with Adopt a Cop, DARE programs, and worked with the State Police on a special task force for outlaw bikers.  He was also a cofounder of the Centurion Police Officers Motorcycle Club.  He was an active member of Dobbins Memorial United Methodist Church where he was head of the Staff Parish Relations Committee and was part of security for a number of years for Vacation Bible School.  Woody was also very involved in Civil War reenactments with the 12th of New Jersey Mifflin Guard. 

 

FAMILY

Beloved husband of 32 years to Judith A. (nee Knight) James Spencer; devoted father of Sam James (Stacy), Sandy Heintz (Chris) and honorary dad of Crystal Medor; cherished grandfather of Big Nick, Rebecca, Kaelynn, Little Nick, Brayden, Abrielle, Victoria, Emmerson, Daulton, Teagann Ellie, Mark Jr. (Simone), Alyssa (Shane), Brandon, and great grandfather of John, Mark III, Cali-Ann and Spencer.  Woody will be missed by his family and many loving extended family members including Ayden, Cameron, Eleanor James, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Woody is also survived by his two fur babies Emma, Isabella White Flower along with his daughter, Kathy Spencer.

 

FAREWELL SERVICES

Due to the current circumstances a memorial service to celebrate Woody’s life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Woody’s memory to Leukemia and Lymphoma research at the Hospital of The University of Pennsylvania.

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