Spencer Family Speaks
The family of the Jackson airman who was killed in Oklahoma accident on Monday, spoke with 7 Eyewitness News. It was evident Steven Spencer was loved, family and friends were all around mourning and sharing stories of the 21-year-old, who just a few days ago was working at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. Monday afternoon, Robert Spencer said he had just gotten on the computer to try and Skype his son Steven, when he heard a knock on the door. “They came walking toward me and they asked me if my name was Robert Spencer and I said ‘ yes,’ and I knew then that something was wrong,” said Robert. Spencer said Air Force officials then informed him that his 21-year-old son had been killed in an automobile crash early that morning, the day after Christmas. “It floored me, I fell to my knees,” said Robert. Family members said Steven, the passenger, and one of his buddies were driving on Highway 77 near Oklahoma City, where they were both stationed, when they came upon a dangerous curve the car became airborne and struck a bridge embankment. Robert was told by police his son died instantly. “Police believe speed might have been involved, they were both wearing their seat belts,” stated Robert. Police officials told the family that they do no believe alcohol or any drug substance was involved, just speed. “It can happen so quick. We all think it can’t happen to us, we can handle it, just please slow down,” pleaded Robert. Robert says he and “Steve”, as family called him, were very close. They talked at least once a day, so when he could not reach his son on Christmas until later that night he knew something was not right. “He was upset, he was depressed, that’s why he slept all day, he didn’t get to come home for Christmas.” But other than that, family and friend raved about Steven’s outgoing and fun attitude. He attended South Side High School and played soccer, loved Harley’s and cars, dreamed of being a doctor one day, and was always helping and serving others. “That just show how true of a friend he was,” said Jonathan Anderson. Robert said although he said his world has been turned upside down, one world comes to mind when he thinks of Steven, sunshine. Friday morning a group of drivers and motorcyclists will meet at Bumpus Harley-Davidson at 2 p.m. to meet soldiers at the Memphis Airport to pick up Steven’s body and escort him in honor back to Jackson. The visitation will be Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m., with the funeral service Sunday afternoon at 2, both at the George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home in south Jackson.
