Fredrick Spencer Hall Jr., Commander USN (Retired), born Jan. 29, 1941, passed away peacefully Jan. 31, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at his home in Riner.
Surviving to carry on his memories are his wife Kathy Lester Hall; his daughter Terry Rae Bodine and her husband Bill; his son Rick Hall; his son Andrew Hall and his wife Darien; and his son Ryan Hall. He is also survived by his grandchildren Emily Gur (Terry), Jesse Hall (Rick), Addison Hall (Andrew), Zada Hall (Andrew) and Isaac Hall (Rick) who all affectionately called him Peepaw.
He was preceded in death by his father Fredrick “Fred” Hall, his mother Wynona Wall Hall, his sister Mary Alice Webster and her husband Dick.
Spencer is a native of Christiansburg, graduating from Christiansburg High School in 1959. At CHS, he played football and was a member of their state championship track team. It was there that he met his high school sweetheart, future wife, and partner in life, Kathy Lester.
After high school, Spencer spent a year at the University of South Carolina before fulfilling his dream of attending the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He later earned a bachelors and masters degree in Civil Engineering at Georgia Tech before leading a career as a decorated Naval officer. He served for 21 years before retiring at the rank of Commander. It was during this time Spencer and Kathy raised four wonderful children while stationed in various parts of the country.
After retiring from a 2nd career as Assistant Vice President of Facilities at Virginia Tech, he enjoyed time with family at the beach, cheering on Navy football with his buddy Curt Coy, his collections, and pursuing various artistic ventures. Honoring Spencer’s life would not be complete without mentioning his “Coffee Group” consisting of Bill, Bob, Ernie, Jewel, and Peter. Their friendship meant so much to him.
He will be remembered for his generosity, his smart sense of humor, and the wise advice he proudly offered to his family and friends.
His family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Blue Ridge Cancer Care of Blacksburg and at ACG Hospice for all their support and care.
The family received friends Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 followed by a service at Horne Funeral Home. A burial service at Sunset Cemetery followed.
