Spencer Augustus Wynne

The service for Mr. Wynne will be live streamed on the Facebook Page of Fisher Memorial Funeral Parlor.

 Mr. Spencer Augustus Wynne

February 8, 1925 ~~~ February 4, 2021

Mr. Spencer Augustus Wynne I of Durham, N. C. transitioned on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at his home after a long illness.  Born in Jamesville, N. C. on February 8, 1925, he was the oldest son of the late Mr. William Henry Wynne and Mrs. Lillian Bailey Wynne. A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, February 8, at 3:00 p.m., in Glenview Memorial Gardens, Highway 55/Apex Highway, in Durham, North Carolina.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents are his siblings – Mrs. Ruth H. Gregory, Mrs. Murriel B. Savage and Mr. Joseph R. Wynn; his first wife, Mrs. Edna Reese Wynne (Mother of his children), his second wife Mrs. Ruth Thomas Wynne and daughter Reverend Charlotte Johnson Carlton.

While as a young child in Jamesville, Spencer and his family were members of Weeping Mary Baptist Church.  Young Spencer was the youngest Sunday school Superintendent and junior Deacon of the church.  Today, the church continues to recognize him as a senior member who often returned for annual fall church homecomings.

Mr. Wynne attended grade school in Jamesville and graduated from high school at Williamston Colored High School in Williamston, N.C. in 1941.  He furthered his education by attending Fayetteville State Teachers College, now Fayetteville State University, and was drafted for the U. S. Army to serve in World War II while in college.  Upon his return from the war, he completed his degree and graduated from Fayetteville State Teachers College in 1947.  He was a proud BRONCO.  He received his Masters in Education from New York University.

After graduating from NYU,   Spencer came to Durham, N.C. in the early 50’s and began his career as an educator. He served as the Dean of Boys at Whitted Junior High School where he taught Math and was Advisor to the Photography Club.   In 1970, he was promoted as the first principal of the new R.N. Harris Elementary School in Durham.  After many successful years at R.N. Harris School, he became the principal at East End Elementary School on Dowd Street until his retirement in 1988.   He was a beloved teacher, principal and educational advisor post retirement.  Students, parents and teachers loved Mr. Wynne.

In 1955, Mr. Wynne and his family joined   Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. William Fuller where Wynne served in many capacities.  He was a Sunday

School Teacher, Assistant Superintendent, member of the Finance Committee, usher, served as leader of Club Scout pack 149 and the BTU.   Upon Rev. Fuller’s death, Mt. Zion Baptist Church became an independent church (non-Baptist affiliated).  The church name changed to Mt. Zion Christian Church with Apostle Donald Q. Fozard, Jr. as Pastor.  A longtime supporter of many church organizations, Mr. Wynne served as Chairman of the Mt. Zion Christian Academy Advisory Board, was a member of the Prison Ministry and the January/February Birthday District.

Spencer was a member of the Durham Retired Teachers Association, a Life Member of National Education Association (NEA), the James E. Shepard Sertoma Club, and the SHADS spouses group of Eta Phi Beta Sorority members (late wife, Mrs. Ruth Wynne was a Sorority member).   He enjoyed photography, was an avid newspaper reader, and was truly known as a great gourmet cook.  He was a compassionate caregiver for his late wife Edna during her illness and for a dear cousin, Ms. Martha Gray, who lived with the family for many years.

He has received numerous awards and citations from many organizations.  He received an esteemed honor in the late 70’s when he was named “Father of the Year” by the Durham Chamber of Commerce and the Durham Morning Herald Newspaper.   In 2015, he was recognized as one of the outstanding Nonagenarians, (persons 90-99 years old), by the Lawrence and Artelia Scholarship Fund Board in Durham. This was a special highlight.

He leaves to cherish his memories: Daughters - Mrs. Diane (Linberger) Lamb of Durham, Dr. Valerie Wynne (George) McFarley of Fayetteville, NC; Mrs. Cerise (Christopher) Collins of  Greensboro, NC; Sons- Spencer A. (Paula) Wynne II of Kennesaw, Ga.; and Rev. Steven (Eutrilda) Wynne of Leesburg, Ga.  In addition, he leaves 21 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, a special niece – Dr. Bernadette G. Watts, several nieces, nephews and devoted friends.

In lieu of flowers, please mail your donations, In Memory of Mr. Spencer A. Wynne I, to Fayetteville State University, ATTN: Advancement Services, 1200 Murchison Road, Fayetteville, NC 28301   (In Check Memo: General Scholarship Fund). OR, Give Online at www.uncfsu.edu/Give; Select “Other” for area of support and type in General Scholarship Fund.

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