Raymond Edward Spencer age 75 of Kalamazoo passed away Tuesday morning, August 4, 2026. Ray was born in Grand Rapids, MI, on October 26, 1950, the son of Elmer and Monserrat Spencer. On July 26, 2005, he married the love of his life, Tina Johanson Bassas who survives him. Ray proudly served his nation in the United States Army for 30 years. He was the last enlisted active-duty Americal Division soldier at the time of his retirement. He was a graduate of Western Michigan University. Ray had many interests including classic Corvettes and motorcycles. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. A man of faith, he was a member of St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church of Portage. He was also a life-time member of the Americal Division Veterans Association. Besides his devoted wife, Ray is survived by his children, Paul (Lucyann) Spencer, Dana Spencer, Christine Snowdon; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Betty (Ron) Pelka; sister-in-law, Sharon Spencer; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved daughter, Alexa Spencer Knooihuizen; a brother, Melvin Elmer Spencer; a niece, Tracie Anne Burley.