Joe Spicer

RICHMOND, Ind. - Joe Spicer, age 62, of Richmond, died Sunday, May 8, 2016, at IU Health University Hospital. Born August 22, 1953, in Richmond, Indiana, to Wilson and Florida Pennington Spicer, Joe lived in Richmond most of his life. He was a 1971 graduate of Richmond High School, 1975 graduate of Miami University of Oxford, and received his master's degree in Supervision and Administration from Miami University in 1998. Joe was a scholar athlete who excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He was awarded All-State football honors his senior year in high school. While at Miami University he played both football and baseball. He was a starting defensive back for Miami playing in two Tangerine Bowls during his career. After graduating from Miami, Joe played a year in the World Football League in Memphis after which he moved to Cleveland to pursue his career in education. Joe taught and coached in inner city Cleveland where he began his life-long career of striving to make a difference in the lives of students with whom he came in contact. Upon returning to Richmond, Joe began a 30 year career with Richmond Community Schools fulfilling many roles including that as a teacher, coach, counselor, and for many years, a high school assistant principal. Although a quiet man, Joe's passion for ensuring that students succeeded in all aspects of school was apparent to everyone. Joe was a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandpa. Family always came first. Supporting his children and grandchildren in their many activities was important to him. Although his health declined in recent years, he rarely missed an opportunity to attend his grandchildren's basketball games, football games, gymnastics meets, soccer games, or any other activity in which they were involved. Joe was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church where he had served as a Deacon. Survivors include his wife, Luann Sprague Spicer; children, Toni Jamison of Cleveland, Ohio, Randy (Lisa) Spicer of Union, Kentucky, Amy (Todd) Martz of Nappanee, Indiana, Randy (Heather) Gianfagna of Floyds Knobs, Indiana, and Marc (Angi) Gianfagna of Brownsburg, Indiana; grandchildren, Braylon, Landon, and Peyton Spicer, Nyla Jamison, and Nicholas, Emma, Sophia, Nate, Mia, Kiara, Micaiah, and Shane; sister, Judy Spicer of Richmond; brother, Nathan (Lori) Spicer of Schererville, Indiana; sister-in-law, Angie Spicer of Richmond; brother-in-law, Joe (Diane) Sprague of Columbus, Ohio; beloved nieces and nephews; cousins; and many friends, students, and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Tony and Gene Spicer. Visitation for Joe Spicer will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 12, 2016, at the Tiernan Center, Richmond High School, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 13, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church, 100 North 10th Street, Richmond, with Bishop C. Joseph Sprague, Rev. Dr. Ronald Naylor, and Rev. John Brewer officiating. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Richmond High School Joe Spicer Scholarship, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Joe Spicer

August 22, 1953 - May 8, 2016