Joe D. Spicer, age 89, of Collierville died July 11, 2022 in the care of his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Deborah. He is also survived by his children, Ann Bird (Joe), Joe Spicer Jr. (Brenda), Richie Spicer (Sandi), Wendy Dalton (Frank), Beth Spicer (Clint), and Brad Spicer (Lauren). Also surviving is his sister, Hazel Puckett; 22 grandchildren; and 35 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Irene Spicer; his brothers, Edwin "Goobin", Theodore, JT, John Thomas who died as an infant; his sister, Marie; one grandson; and one great granddaughter.

Joe was known for his perseverance and hard work ethic, which propelled him to succeed and support his family. He began as a boy working in his father's fish company on the bank of Reelfoot Lake while attending high school. At that time, and for years, he also guided fishermen and duck hunters on Reelfoot Lake. After graduating, Joe served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, being trained to work on airplanes used in battle. Receiving his honorable discharge from the military, Joe worked full time for El Paso Natural Gas while completing his undergraduate degree at Texas Western University in El Paso, Texas. He then pursued a law degree at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. After graduation, he moved to Memphis and began his law practice, which spanned many decades. Joe was the founding member of Spicer Rudstrom Attorney at Law. A skilled trial lawyer for 50 years, he spent many hours in the courtrooms in Memphis and across Tennessee. Having grown up on Reelfoot Lake, he loved the outdoors, particularly his beloved Reelfoot Lake. He was a longtime member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church.

Despite his many worldly successes, his final written words to his family just days before his passing were:

"I have finally accepted my destiny which is to be my greatest success, to simply await the final call of my Lord Jesus Christ, a future to be my greatest act yet. Thank God for his kingdom."  Dad

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to any charitable organization of your choice.

Funeral services for Mr. Spicer will be private.

Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home   731-885-1033