Volney Robert Spencer Sr., age 96, passed away on Friday, November 4 at his home in
Attica surrounded by his loving family. Volney was born in Perry on January 8, 1926 a son of the
late Robert R. Spencer and Gladys Yencer Spencer. During his high school years at Perry
Central School, he worked at several local farms. Volney left high school before graduating and
enlisted in the US Navy on January 4, 1944. He attended boot training at the US Naval Training
Station in Sampson, NY and then Norfolk Virginia Armed Guard School. Volney served as a
Machinist Mate Second Class on the USS Gilliam APA-57, the USS Appling APA-58, and the
USS Oregon City CA-122. Volney told his family in later years that he shouldn't be honored
because he served his country but rather it was his honor to serve his country.
After his discharge from the navy in 1947, Volney returned to Perry and farm work. He
married Ethel A. Flint on May 14, 1949. In November of 1949, they started a farm on shares in
Dale, N.Y. purchasing the farm in 1955. In the mid-sixties Volney sold the farm and worked at
Folk and Kelly Farm Equipment until 1969 when he bought a farm in Attica where he farmed
until 2015.
Volney was active in the dairy business, in community organizations, and in veterans'
associations. He was a long-time member and past president of the Wyoming Hook & Ladder.
Volney was the assessor for the town of Attica for 14 years and the chairman for 10 years. He
was chairman of the ASC Committee Wyoming County, president of the Wyoming County Farm
Bureau, a member of the United Guernsey Milk Producers Coop, Arcade Farms' Coop, and
Dairylea Coop. Volney was director of the Niagara Milk Coop for 22 years, the
secretary-treasurer for 4 years, and served on the executive committee for 12 years. He was a
delegate for Upstate Niagara Coop for years, served as chairman on the Attica Agway
Committee and Agway Council for 10 years and the Oatka Board of Directors for 12 years.
Volney was a charter member of Bostian Rowe Post 1849, commander for 6 years of American
Legion, Wyoming County commander of the American Legion 1967-1968, 8th District aide
1967-1968, Department Sergeant at Arms for the state of NY American Legion, Wyoming
County Finance Officer 1969-1971, Commander Harder O'Donell Post 734 Attica NY American
Legion, president of the Attica Veteran's Memorial Association for 23 years, life member of the
Veterans' of Foreign Wars Post 6239 Alexander NY, member of the Wyoming County Veteran
Co Warsaw NY, Voiture 761 40/8 Wyoming County, Chef de Gaar and Commissaire Intendant
and Grand Drapeau.
Truly a life-long farmer, Volney started doing farm chores at the young age of seven and
continued farming until the age of 89. He touched the lives of many. Everyone who knew him
respected his honesty and appreciated his work ethic. His family loved the glint in his eye
whenever he was with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In days past he was often
seen with a cigar in his mouth and most recently a toothpick and a contagious smile. Many will
remember him throwing tootsie rolls from the 40/8 locomotive in Wyoming County parades, a
role he played with great joy.
Volney is predeceased by his loving wife Ethel (Flint) d. 1973. His children have been
told that when Volney and Ethel danced their feet never touched the ground as they were so in
love. He is also predeceased by his son Volney Spencer Jr. d. 2021 and his granddaughter
Emily Spencer d. 2020. He is survived by their children: Sharon (Volney Jr.) Spencer, Peg
(Roland) Cox, Jim (Althea) Spencer, Betty Raponi, Barb Jamalkowski, Deb (Tim) Head, 21
grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren (with more on the way).
He is also predeceased by his second wife Rita (Szymanski) d. 1992 and survived by
her children: Linda (Gary) Huff, Carol Weber, and Jerry Szymanski, 1 grandchild, and 2 great
grandchildren.
Volney is also predeceased by his long- time companion Lorraine Kirkpatrick d.2018 and
survived by her children: Kathy Link, Rob (Debbie) Kirkpatrick, Anne (Carl) Roemesser, and 6
grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his siblings: Roberta (Walt) Wright, Tom (Lotti) Spencer, Edith
(Jack) Jackson, and survived by his sister Freida (Bob) Moore and multiple nieces, nephews,
and great and grand nieces and nephews.
Family and friends of Volney may call at Weeks Funeral Home from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM
on November 19. A memorial service will be conducted at the funeral home on November 20 at
11:00 with the burial with military honors immediately following at Union Park Cemetery in
Wethersfield. To honor Volney's commitment to the farming community, his family will be
establishing a scholarship fund for Future Farmers of America students. More information will be
provided once the scholarship is established.