Spencer Gatewood Gwathmey, affectionately known as "Spence", went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 8:15 AM VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia.  It was Communion Sunday at his local assembly, and his strong, quiet presence was missed greatly that morning. He was born on Monday, April 10, 1950, at his childhood home in King William County, Virginia to parents Deaconess Essie Mirtie Braxton and Deacon Roscoe Alonza Gwathmey, Sr.  He was the sixth of seven children, and the youngest boy. It was said that the Spring of that year was a special time for his father as he gained a son and a new tractor! His middle name was inspired by a local minister of the gospel - a foreshadow of things to come.

Early memories in the fields as a young child involved harvesting cucumbers, as he prided himself on being the fastest picker as he was closer to the ground than older family members! Like his father, he truly believed that you could not look at nature and ignore the existence of its Creator. While he enjoyed farm life, his interest lied largely with the science behind making things grow, and the mechanics of the equipment that he encountered (namely tractors and automobiles). This fascination with how things work – mechanically and electrically would serve as the steering mechanism for his future career paths.

Spencer accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and faithfully sang in the St. Paul Baptist Church Choir.  He received his early education from Hamilton Holmes Elementary School. As integration initiatives began in the county, he voluntarily signed up to be one of only two African American students to enter King William High School.  Although he performed well, he missed the camaraderie of his old schoolmates, and decided to transfer back to his zoned high school (Hamilton Holmes) to graduate with his friends. During the summers, he worked at an all-boys camp in the Northeastern Seaboard which afforded him the opportunity to be exposed to different walks of life and surroundings outside the state of Virginia. He was not only a member of the National Honors Society, but he also served as Vice-President of his senior class, graduating in 1968.

The summer after high school graduation, he worked alongside his brother Charles in a garage/gas station owned and operated by his Uncle Ginter who helped showed him the ropes. Spencer was granted a scholarship to Virginia State University to study Agriculture. While there, he participated in JROTC, and was a proficient member of the decorated drill team. When his program of study was reconfigured and relocated to what is now Virginia Tech, he opted to switch his major to one with an Automotive Technology and educational focus. His years at Virginia State University not only afforded him a memorable education, but also a plethora of precious memories – like learning how to swim, jamming with the nationally recognized marching band, attending concerts by iconic acts like James Brown and Duke Ellington, and moreover the development of lifelong friendships.

Upon his departure from VSU, he entered the workforce. Seeking to further hone his skills and increase his knowledge of the automotive field, he attended the General Motor Training Center, and commenced his employment with Murry's Oldsmobile (1973-1974), Cardinal Pontiac of Ashland, Virginia, and Muse Buick of Southside, Richmond, Virginia. Due to his wealth of knowledge and experience in the automotive industry, his Uncle Ginter convinced him to try his hand at teaching. He became an Adult Education Instructor of evening classes at Richmond City Public School's Technical Center in Northside. He taught the automatic transmissions course for over three decades: February 06, 1978 - February 28, 2015. He fully transitioned into his professional teaching career in 1981, when he became the Automotive Technology teacher at Caroline High School. He was highly regarded and well thought of by staff and students alike. Spencer's thirst for knowledge and desire to stay abreast of industry trends led him to obtain the various certifications needed to become a Master Automotive Technician. He finished his last two years of employment with Caroline Public Schools as a Lead Master Technician of the county's bus depot. In the end, he had accumulated 50 years of experience between his teaching and work with automobiles, receiving numerous certificates, rewards, and recognition including technical education competitions. His natural connection to the subject matter, and vibrant personality garnered connection and trust with his secondary and adult students alike – helping to ignite their excitement and passion for automotive technology.

However, Spencer's passion for all things mechanical paled in comparison to the way he felt about the love of his life, Tamara Beale. The two of them met during the Thanksgiving holiday of 1980, at a chance meeting at the home of her maternal aunt who was married to a family friend. After courting for only three months, they were married February 18, 1981, at his childhood church, St. Paul Baptist Church. Their union was blessed with two children – a daughter, Tessa, and son, Israel. Spencer and Tamara had been married for forty years at the time of her heavenly return two years ago.

Spencer had many hobbies, primarily tractor pulls, seeking out antique tractors and raising gardens at the homeplace with his brother Charles Henry. Over the years, he and his brother Charles accumulated a fleet of tractors and a few combines. During his most active years of farming, he and Charles frequently competed in countywide tractor pulls, making local history by not only winning several awards but often being the only African American competitors. In the Fall, Summer, and Spring seasons, he dedicated countless hours to cultivate the land and grow various crops, also sharing his expertise as a farming and equipment consultant for the farm of his local church assembly, Mt. Gilead Full Gospel International Ministries (MGFGIM) of North Chesterfield, Virginia. Some of his favorite items to plant were watermelons, cantaloupes, honey dew melons, collard, mustard, and turnip greens, string beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, amidst a wide array of other fruits and vegetables. Giving fresh fruits and vegetables to family and friends brought him extreme joy and satisfaction as many marveled at the size, quality, and flavor of the produce.

As God would have it, his experience as a teacher extended beyond the classroom into service for the Lord. Ordained a Deacon in the late 1980s, he fulfilled this role in every assembly he was a part of – Word of Life Assemblies of God, Better Covenant Christian Ministries, Christ Ascension Church (where he served as Deacon Chair), Lifeline Christian Ministries, and finally at MGFGIM where he served for the last 16 years. Over the years, he taught Christian Training Institute courses, Vacation Bible School, participated in evangelism and prison outreaches, assisted with baptisms, and offered support to families during homegoing services.

During the latter years of serving, he also assisted the MGFGIM Special Events Team which provided the setup, breakdown, and service for weddings, conferences, and other formal gatherings, even being recognized as Deacon of the Year on more than one occasion. He enjoyed serving alongside his fellow MGFGIM deacons, who respected him for his experience and wisdom, gaining a brotherhood. He served faithfully, executing tasks with wisdom, efficiency, and grace, leaving a mark that cannot be erased.

Spencer was predeceased by his father, Roscoe Alonza Gwathmey, mother, Essie Mirtie Braxton, sister, Sedora M. Deleaver, and beloved wife, Tamara Beale Gwathmey.

He leaves to cherish his memories son Spencer Lamont (Natasha), daughter Tessa, and son Israel (Kimberly), three grandsons – Darnell, Mason, Julian; nine granddaughters – Jazmine, Ashanti, Nylah, Eden, London, Zoë, Ava, Nina, and Joielle; three great-grandchildren, Kailey Destinee Connor, Dreya Nicole Connor, and Kylah Da'nae Connor; brothers Roscoe, Jr., Charles Henry; sisters Saundra, Maurice, and Uarda, along with his brother and sisters-in-love, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends including his dear friend, E. Mike Harris (Carolyn).

He will always be remembered by his bright eyes, full smile, infectious laughter, words of wisdom, one-of-a-kind stories, and the occasional playful "trash" talk during competition. His love for God, work ethic, passion for learning, kindness, and lifetime of service to others will.

Viewing will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 26, 2023  at C.W. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc.16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at St Paul Baptist Church, 1995 Globe Road, Aylett, Virginia 23009 with a viewing one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow in church cemetery.

Livestreaming will be available on C.W. Edwards Facebook page.