Charles E. Spencer

Charles (Charlie) Earl Spencer, passed into the loving arms of his Savior on Friday, June 24, 2022. He was the son of Shirley Ester Crow and Earl Mitchell Spencer. He was born December 4,1929 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. After high school he attended the University of Arkansas for one semester and Henderson State Teachers College where he graduated in 1951 with a BS in mathematics and a commission in the United States Army. After marrying his first and only love Rosemary (Mickey) Pittman in August 1951, he served at Ft. Ord, CA, Ft. Benning, GA, and one year as an infantry platoon leader and Battalion S2 in the 1st Calvary Division in Japan and Korea. His first daughter, Cassie, was born in 1953 while he was in Korea. He met her for the first time after 7 months when he returned from Korea.

Returning home in 1953, he attended the University of Arkansas earning a BSEE and MSEE in Electronics. While at the University his 2nd daughter, Robin, was born and he became active in the Army Reserve, and as a research assistant developing Mass Spectrometers. In 1958 he was employed by Sandia National Laboratories where he developed neutron generators for reactor studies for detecting clandestine nuclear materials at customs, and for high voltage flash X-Ray systems.

He was co-developer for a Lead Activation neutron detector that became a standard measurement device for neutron generators for Artillery Shells, Cruise Missiles, Earth Penetrators, and ICBMs. Simply put, he was a nuclear engineer. He was one of the first group of Sandians given the title of Distinguished Member of The Technical Staff.

Along the way he continued service in the Army Reserve and retired after almost 30 years as a Colonel. He was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Charlie, Mickey and their daughters loved taking long camping vacations throughout the United States. They also spent many years enjoying fun, sun-filled weekends boating and water skiing. Charlie and Mickey continued to travel after their daughters were grown and had the opportunity to visit the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Russia, Africa, Egypt, Australia, Israel, New Zealand, and other nations, including many Caribbean cruises and a European cruise with the whole family. They toured most of the Western States in RVs, some of them with the Siglo de Oro RV Club. They enjoyed a full life of square dancing, backpacking, camping, bridge, and a float trip down the Colorado River.

He was a loving, devoted husband and father. He took his family on fun, sometimes challenging adventures that bonded them even more with trust, teamwork, love, and he even taught some survival skills along the way. He was a successful provider for his family and the epitome of the "Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." He always made sure everyone in his family was taken care of properly. Charlie's sense of humor never left until his dying day.

Charlie deeply loved and was devoted to four things in his life: Christ, his Savior; his family; his country; and his work at Sandia National Labs. In each one of his loves, he excelled. He said many times how much he loved his work and always considered himself very blessed by God to get to do what he loved every day. He also said, even up until his dying day, that if ever his country needed him, he would do what he could to help. He was a true patriot.

He is survived by his wife of almost 71 years, Mickey Spencer; his daughters, Cassie Spencer of Denver, CO, Robin Lowell and her husband, Seth Lowell of Rio Rancho, NM; step-grandson, Andrew Lowell, his wife, Amy and their children, Grace and Asher Lowell all of Milton, GA; 5 nieces and 2 nephews; as well as many beloved friends, extended family and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant sister, Doloris Ann Spencer; his brother, Ronald Lee; his nephew, Lee Spencer; his mother-in-law, Frances Mary Pittman; his father-in-law, Castel Lamar Pittman. A Graveside Service was held in the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM on July 12, 2022. A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor in early Fall with details to follow.

Charlie will forever be in our hearts and will be deeply missed until we all meet again.