John Spencer Lucas III

John Spencer Lucas III
NOVEMBER 19, 1950- DECEMBER 14, 2020

John Spencer Lucas lll was born on November 19, 1950, in St. Petersburg, and passed away on December 14, 2020.

Spencer Lucas, who served as president of the Friends of the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum for the past several years, had deep local ties. His great-grandfather Warren Webster, after whom the St. Pete Beach Community Center in Pass-a-Grille is named, was a New Jersey industrialist who moved to Pass-a-Grille in 1913.  “I grew up in PAG, left in 1971 and returned in 2000,” Spencer said. “There was so much going on in the area while I was growing up: The Hurricane Classic boat races, the Sunshine School Fish Fries, the PAG Yacht Club 4th of July Regatta, the Christmas Caroler Barge, the Beach Hotel fire in the 60’s where Paradise Grille now stands, the Little Dutch Bakery, the Beach Theater and Lamb’s Drug store, going down to 8th Ave to Hubbard’s / Merry Pier and seeing the boats come in with their catches, the daily 12 o’clock siren test for the volunteer fire department, and enjoying the wonderful precious beach, a history of memories that is immortalized in many of our Gulf Beaches Historical Museum exhibits.”

Spencer and Alice, his wife of almost 50 years, eloped while Alice was still in her teens. They had three children, to whom they have been totally devoted. Laura and Samuel live close by. Laura worked with them in the scrapbooking store. Son John is a naval commander and lives with his family in Virginia, currently working at the Pentagon. Between them, they’ve given Alice and Spencer seven grandchildren who were all their grand-dads’ favorites, according to Alice.

Between 1971 and 2000, Spencer spent a career as a fireman, and retired early as captain of the Charlotte, NC Fire Department to be near his father, who had contracted Parkinson’s. Returning to his Pass-a-Grille roots, Spencer studied with local photographer Peppy Emmons and started a photography service called Yacht Shots and More, which morphed into Portraits in Paradise and with his long-time wife Alice started Scrapbooking in Paradise, first on the corner of Blind Pass Road and Corey Avenue, where his dad’s real estate office used to be. They moved their respective businesses to South Pasadena Shopping Center when they sold the property.

Local realtor Joan Walker, one of Spencer’s closest friends, said “Spencer was a natural comedian, was always a gentleman, and is remembered by everyone as one of the friendliest, funniest and most generous men they had ever known. Alice, who was trained as a nurse, has been Spencer’s angel and caregiver for years.” One of Peppy’s daughter’s, Michele Gardner, said “I have known “Spennie” since Sunshine School. My dad was his mentor in the photo business, so they spent many long days together, and he was very close to our family. I can hardly believe he has left us.”

“I now appreciate history more than ever” Spencer was quoted as saying in a 2013 article about the historical museum in Paradise NEWS. “It is always interesting, intriguing, and full of surprises. It is a privilege to serve as president for the Friends and volunteer my time to help preserve the past. It is gratifying work because we are all part of history. The dedication of all our volunteers and the generosity of financial support from individuals, to neighborhood associations, the city of SPB, and the county, keep us operating. The museum is a continuous work in progress and is a priceless asset of our little islands.” Spencer’s famous last words on that occasion were, “Come visit, enjoy and get involved with your museum.” In lieu of flowers, well-wishers are encouraged to make a donation in Spencer’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation and/or the Friends of the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum.