TURIN - Marion A. "Bud" Spicer, 87, Route 26 in Turin, died November 3, 2015, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Utica. Bud was born in Finely, Illinois, the son of Irwin and Dorothy Spicer.

He leaves behind his wife, Marilyn; daughters Pam and Penny, son Lance and his wife Petra, son Steve and his wife Kelly and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind half brothers and sisters in the south. He will be sorely missed.

Ranger Spicer entered the U.S. Army in the 1940's. He was serving with the 504 Airborne Infantry Regiment 82nd A/B Division in 1950. Ranger Spicer was in the first group of four-time volunteers to be accepted for training in 3rd Ranger Company in October 1950. In Korea, Ranger Spicer was the SFC squad leader in 3rd Platoon, 3rd Ranger Co. He distinguished himself as a patrol leader on many recon and combat patrols. Spicer served with 3rd Ranger Co. from activation to deactivation. Upon transfer to the 187 ARCT in Japan, he was assigned as platoon sergeant of the I&R Platoon. He served with the 187 ARCT during the Koji-Do Prison Camp riots and in combat in the Iron Triangle.

Ranger Spicer returned to CONUS in 1952 and was assigned as Sergeant of the Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the President's Honor Guard. In 1953 he returned to 504 Abn Inf Regt as 1st SGT, WPNS Company In 1954 Spicer joined Special Forces at Fort Bragg, NC where he served with 77th (SFGA). In 1956, he served with the 10th (SFGA) in Germany. In 1960 he was the 8th (SFGA) back at Bragg. In 1961 Spicer went to Laos with the 7th (SFGA). In 1965 he served with the 5th (SFGA) MACSOG in Vietnam. In 1967 he served another tour of duty with the 5th (SFGA) MACSOG Vietnam.

In 1969 Sergeant Major Spicer was assigned as an ROTC instructor at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA. In 1971 he was back in Vietnam for yet another tour of duty with the 5th (SFGA) MACSOG. In 1973 Ranger Spicer was SGM advisor to the Indiana and Michigan National Guards. In late 1973 he returned to Ft. Bragg to become the SGM of Special Forces School, followed by a series of Command Sergeant Major assignments: 1975 4th PSY OPS GP; 1976 5th SFGA; and CSM John F. Kennedy Center for Special Warfare. It was during this he was nominated for the position of Sergeant Major of the Army, CSM Spicer retired from the U.S. Army in 1977, with 31 years of service.

Ranger Spicer joined the New York State Department of Corrections and retired from the state in 1994. His military awards include the Combat Infantryman Badge w/star, Master Parachute Bade, Glider Badge and numerous other U.S. and foreign awards. Ranger Spicer set the standard in leadership and valor for the Rangers.

Memorials in Marion A. "Bud" Spicer's name may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. A private military service will be held for his family.