Birth Date: 07/09/1934
Deceased Date: 10/03/2024
Spencer Thornton Braswell, age 90, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024, surrounded by his wife of 70 years, Beverley Whitehurst Braswell, and close family throughout his final days. Services will be held at First Baptist Church in Smithfield, NC on Wednesday, October 9 with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM and memorial services at 11:00 AM.
Spencer was born July 9, 1934 on the outskirts of Smithfield to the late Manley Braswell and Sallie Thornton Braswell. Those who knew him would first say he was one of the kindest men they had ever met. He was an uncommonly hard worker, blessed with a servant’s heart, and singularly dedicated to family. His grin was contagious. He was gentle and soft-spoken, yet his few words carried wisdom, compassion, and subtle humor.
Growing up on the family farm, he began to contribute at age 5—first drawing well water and milking cows, then “trucking” and “priming” tobacco. His stories of working alongside his two brothers and learning to dance from his two sisters revealed a strong work ethic and deep love of family.
Spencer attended Smithfield High School where he played saxophone in the marching and jazz bands, creating a lifelong love of music. After graduating in 1954, he attended East Carolina University where he was drum major of the marching band. Spencer had a 44-year manufacturing career spanning three companies as a quality-control technician and supervisor.
A man of strong faith, Spencer was a member of First Baptist Church in Smithfield for 70 years. He served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, usher, greeter, and reliable volunteer for anything needed.
Spencer reveled in the outdoors. He was often in his yard mowing grass in perfect lines, washing cars under the shade tree, and planting flowers. With a bird bath and feeders filled year-round, he and Beverley delighted in watching from their sunporch as colorful droves flocked to their backyard sanctuary.
Spencer was lovingly devoted to Beverley throughout their 70-year, emulation-worthy marriage. They raised their sons, Gary and Greg, in Smithfield, residing there nearly their entire marriage. Spencer and Beverley have been exceptionally close with their grandchildren, Spencer and Hillary. The Braswells’ South Smithfield home was the family hub through holidays, birthdays, and countless ordinary drop-ins.
Spencer is survived by his wife, Beverley; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Barbara Braswell; son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Janis Braswell; grandchildren, Spencer Braswell and Hillary Braswell; and sister, Helen Byrd, all of Raleigh, NC. He was preceded in death by brothers Eugene “B” Braswell and Pershing “Perk” Braswell; and sisters Marie Jones and Marian Dodd.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests that memorials be made to First Baptist Church, 202 S 4th St, Smithfield, NC 27577; or Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at Parrishfh.com
