Captain Spencer Gibson departed this life peacefully on January 9, 2019.

He was born in Astor Lake Florida and later moved to Akron Ohio, where he graduated from Buchtel High School in 1959. Spencer joined the United States Navy as a Deep Sea Diver from 1959 until 1962 with an Honorable Discharge.

Following the NAVY, Spencer then worked for Bridgestone Firestone in 1963, while working on his degrees at the University of Akron. In 1976, he earned his Associate degree in Industrial Technology, followed by his Associate degree, in Office Management Technology, and his Bachelor of Science Technical Education degree in 1978.

After graduation, Spencer joined the Summit County Sheriff’s Department in 1976 and served 2014. In the 38 years of employment, he rose to the ranks of Captain and achieved numerous professional designations such as Firearm instructor and Crisis Intervention Instructor. He also was an instructor for the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program. When he wasn’t working or teaching, Spencer was an avid member of the following organizations; FOP (Fraternal Order of Police), Black Law Enforcement Officers Association, American Federation of Police, and the Buckeye Sheriff’s Association.

After retiring in 2014, you could find Spencer at home where he spent quality time with his grandchildren, preparing chef like meals, and in his own words “Enjoying my Programs”.

Spencer was preceded in death by Grandparents David and Ethel Gibson; Mother Ruth Colley; Sisters Althea Gibson and Shelia (Patterson) Gibson.

He leaves to cherish his memories; son Marcellus (Debora) Nelson; two daughters; Leighsa and Mary Gibson; grandchildren, Shantaya and Christine Nelson, Martain, Spencer, and Myles Gibson; sisters, Earlen Griffin, Rachel (Steve) Calhoun, and Caorl (William) McAfee. Special friends and brothers; Marvin Rasberry, and William Johnson.  Spencer will be missed by a host of family, friends, and loved ones.