Ross H. Spencer was born in Hughart, West Virginia and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. During World War II, he served with the 37th Infantry Division on New Georgia, on Bougainville, and in the Philippines. Following the war, he moved to Chicago to be near the Chicago Cubs, the ball club of his choice since 1932. He served again, this time with the Air Force during the Korean Emergency or "whatever it was."

Ross H. Spencer was the father of three wonderful daughters and the proud husband of "the most beautiful lady on earth." In 1987 he returned to Youngstown, Ohio, where he spent the remaining 11 years of his life.