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Obituary for Spencer T. Villines
A Public viewing will occur at
Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church 5537-39 Vine Street Philadelphia, Pa. 19139
Tuesday, July 21, 200 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
A private Family Viewing & celebration will occur on Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Friends may view services online
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
11:00 a.m.
go to: www.cwoodfh.com (Locate Spencer's name and click watch webcast in the blue box located under the picture. Then join meeting
Interment: Private
Life Story I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. — (II Timothy 4:7) SPENCER THOMAS VILLINES, the second child of the late Wiley James and Dorothy Blackwell Villines, was born January 5, 1951 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His brother, Wiley Bernard, preceded him in death in November of 1948. Spencer (Tom) was educated in the Philadelphia public school system. It was in 1st grade at Bryant Elementary School where he met his best friend and later his roommate, Reggie Adams. Tom was a proud member of the class of ’68 at West Philadelphia High School where he formed a lifelong friendship with Fred Stokes. After graduating high school, Tom attended Johnson C. Smith University, in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was during this time that he established a special bond with his roommate, Dave Johnson. Also while there, Tom pledged Nu Gamma Alpha Social Fellowship, Incorporated. Tom graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1973.
In January of 1975, Tom married Valerie Freeman. Several years later their marriage ended, however, they remained close friends until his death.
Tom was introduced to the knowledge of Jesus Christ at an early age. He was baptized and was a member of Mt.Pleasant Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Connie L. McDaniel. As Tom’s health and well-being were tested, he would, on many occasions, mention that only GOD could save us or make things better; he would ask different people to pray for him. Over the years, Tom was gainfully employed by companies such as Sears & Roebuck, Greyhound, and the Philadelphia Inquirer until he found employment with the City of Philadelphia where he worked as a Social Worker at the Youth Study Center for over twenty years. This was a job that genuinely matched his love for communicating and personally involving himself with troubled youth. Tom really enjoyed entertaining and partying with friends. He was the motivating force behind the famous house parties on Lebanon Avenue which led to the formation of Brothers “V” Productions and their legendary cabarets.
Tom was a “Big Brother” in every sense of the word to his younger, brother Rodney. He was an enforcer when needed, a protector, an instructor, and he let him tag along with him (even when he didn’t want to)! He taught Rodney life lessons through sports and social activities. Tom was “cool” and Rodney wanted to be just like him. Tom loved his extended family and family roots just the same. Spending time with the Blackwell and Woody families of Roxboro, North Carolina was something that he looked forward to doing. However, the apple of Tom’s eye was his nephew, Jerod. He had a tremendous love for him and enjoyed hanging out with him at sporting events, restaurants and other places while giving him words of wisdom. He would often refer to Jerod as “the future” of the beloved “Villines name”.
Tom’s smile, charm and personality, could fill any room. “Tom Villines”, as many people called him, had a big heart and was well respected amongst his peers. In 2001, he met Felicia Haskins. They later married and shared good times together until her untimely death in 2015.
Tom was fond of cooking and also had a passion for sports, music, traveling and talking or debating with family and friends about almost anything which could result in hours of long conversations. He was one of the most loving, loyal,and giving people anyone could ask for. Having a sharp mind and memory, he rarely missed an opportunity to acknowledge the birthday, anniversary, or special event of a friend or family member. Often times he would send flowers or make a phone call to sing Happy Birthday to someone. Both he and these special times will be truly missed.
Tom leaves to cherish his memory: his brother, Rodney (Valerie); nephew, Jerod; aunts, DeLois Driver (Houston,Texas), Maxine and Diane Villines (Temple Hill, Maryland); uncle, Johnny Villines (Washington, DC); and a host of family, friends, and most notably, his lifelong crew, Reggie Adams, Julius Brown, Fred Chandler, Jeremiah Cousins,Nate Gale, Donald Holmes, Vern Trent, Pat Lennon-Alexander, Denise Pressley, and Theresa Smith.
