Spencer L. Donaldson

Spencer Lee Donaldson, 67, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, December 14, 2021.

He was born May 30, 1954 in Louisville, MS, to Velma Hughes and Evaniel Liddell. He was the eldest son of Velma and was adopted by Lessley Donaldson when he was very young. He graduated from Dunbar High School in 1974, after which time, he sold insurance before being accepted into an apprenticeship at General Motors. After marrying his wife, Irelita, he went on to become the proud father of four children:  Dawnyel, Angela, Jamaal, and Sean. He worked for GM for 30 years as a tool and die maker before his retirement in 2017. After retirement, he was the fulltime caretaker to his mother, and nephew, Deon Donaldson.

Anyone who knew Spencer Donaldson knew that he only had two real loves: his family and politics. He was very proud of his children and was known to take any opportunity to talk about their achievements. His generosity was felt by many, often working overtime to pay for his children’s interests and giving his last dollar to help his family address their needs. He used to say that this was his way of showing his Christian love. Spencer loved to talk, especially about politics, and often would be found watching MSNBC for hours. He never met a stranger and became fast friends with everyone he met. His infectious smile and big laugh will deeply be missed by everyone who had the privilege of calling him Dad, Papa, Lou, Pee Wee, and Spence.

Spencer is preceded in death by his parents, Velma and Lessley Donaldson, and Evaniel Liddell; his brother, Lessley Ervin Donaldson; his wife, Irelita Donaldson. He leaves behind his children, Dawnyel Donaldson, Angela Donaldson, Jamaal Donaldson and Sean Donaldson; son-in-law, Robert Manning; grandchildren, Christian Bowens and Jordyn Perkins; siblings, Abraham (Carl) Donaldson, Peggie Joice Liddell, James Edd Liddell (Barbara), Marcus Earl Liddell (Annie), Vanessa Liddell Johnson (Mark), Morris Lavel Liddell (Emogene); and countless nieces and nephews.

Walk-through visitation 10 am-12 noon Thursday, December 23, at House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc., 2107 N. Gettysburg Ave. Funeral service at 12 noon. (Mask Required). Interment Woodland Cemetery.

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