Amy Kirchner, JABA Scottsville/Esmont Community Senior Centers manager:
On Thursday, May 28, Bobby Spencer, beloved JABA Scottsville Community Senior Center member, passed away. Everyone at the Center has been grieving his passing, but we also know in our hearts what a full life he led.
Bobby was a lifelong resident of Scottsville. A town councilman and Mayor. He taught at Fork Union Military Academy (FUMA) for 34 years, and was also an ordained Baptist minister. He also was an entertainer and magician (“The Amazing Kirkwood”) and performed for us at the senior center on many occasions. He was a trustee of the Scottsville Museum, and a Scottsville historian.
At the age of 10, he worked as an usher and ticket taker at Victory Hall.
I asked a friend of mine, Deb Foreman, who worked for JABA for many years, to share a memory of Bobby, and this is what she sent me:
“He has been the life of the party, the magic at every event and the voice for his community for so many years. He was part of the original senior center located at the library and church in earlier days. He was key in helping advocate for a better space for the seniors. He was at the table with me and many others to create a space at the present location. He wanted to protect their voice and independence as they merged with JABA....
"His heart was huge and he loved all the seniors and loved being in charge and hosting the show. His energy, motivation and ideas helped create so many activities, trips, events for the seniors. He has helped make the world a better place. I will miss him and light a candle in his honor this weekend.”
We know Bobby as leading us in song, with fellow Center member Myrtle Wyland beside him playing any song requested on the piano. He would lead us to sing with gusto, and if not, would have us sing again! He always had us entertained.
We know Bobby as starting each Wednesday morning by calling everyone to “Attention Salute” before saying The Pledge of Allegiance.
We know Bobby as greeting the children to the center when they would come to visit us from Scottsville Elementary. I would go by the table where he sat, and often see him showing them a magic card trick.
He made sure we visited FUMA and particularly wanted to share the visit with Col. Al Williamson, who annually comes to sing for us. I called Al and told him the news. He will let others know, and shared some fond memories that they had together.
Bobby was truly one of a kind. He loved life, he loved children, he loved magic, he loved his church, he loved Scottsville, and he loved his friends at the Senior Center. He will be missed by many, but will also be joining those he loved that have passed before him.
Let us take a moment to remember Bobby, and all the lives he touched along the way.
Emily Foreman, JABA's Manager of Senior Nutrition Programs:
Bobby Spencer gracefully led our JABA Scottsville program for years as one of our most influential, involved and engaged members. Bobby cared about everyone and his mission was to ensure all felt welcomed and most importantly, joyful, excited and happy to be with the wonderful group at Scottsville Center every Wednesday. He loved when the students from Scottsville Elementary came and would sing along with them and lead magic demonstrations for them when they would visit. He was always friendly and so polite, inviting to each guest to the Center and grateful for the staff and Center program always. He cared about the success of the Center and dedicated much effort and advocacy towards keeping it sustainable and thriving.
As the years progressed and some of his challenges became more known, it is what is most special about the Center that shone through. They knew Bobby had days where he didn’t feel his best or perhaps his mood wasn’t what it should be and they loved him through these difficulties and cared for him as he always had for everyone else, for so very long.
I can very easily say, and am sure most will agree, that there will never be another gentleman like Bobby. He will be forever missed and remembered so fondly for his jubilance every week and his dedication and love for the Scottsville Center staff and every single member.
