Sunny Spencer of The Sons of the Pioneers, dies at age 75

The Sons of the Pioneers and The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead and Outdoor Theatre Family are deeply saddened by the loss of long-time Pioneer performer, Robert “Sunny” Spencer, who passed away in Tucson, Arizona Saturday evening, February 5.

As a young teenager, while working at radio station WLEX, announcer Tom Nolan nicknamed Robert “Sunny” and both the name and personality have made Sunny a favorite of friends, family, and fans alike ever since. Trail Boss Dale Warren, a 52-year member of the Sons of the Pioneers and personal friend of Sunny Spencer for over sixty years, said, “Anyone who has known or worked with Sunny, or enjoyed his music, knows that the name is the man! There is no name that could have captured the smile, musical talents, and contagious personality, other than Sunny.”

The Shepherd of the Hills owner, Gary Snadon, stated, “Although Sunny and the Pioneers have only made The Shepherd of the Hills their home for one season now, Sunny had already made a place for himself in the hearts and minds of the Shepherd family. His smile, wave, outgoing spirit, and incredible stage presence will be greatly missed by all of us who had come to know and love Sunny, and looked forward to seeing him each day.”

Sunny had been in Tucson with the Pioneers appearing at their winter home, the Hidden Valley Inn, and was looking forward to a return to The Shepherd of the Hills for their second season in the new Pavilion Theatre.

There will be a memorial service held in Tucson on Wednesday, February 9 with funeral services being held in Branson on February 13. Warren stated that the Pioneers will not be able to travel back to Branson for the funeral services, as they will fulfill their commitment to sell-out crowds in Tucson.

If there ever was anyone who would understand and live by the old axiom, “The Show Must Go On” it would be Sunny. “He would certainly understand, and I know he wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Warren. “It’s really the greatest tribute we can give to his memory.” However, plans are underway for a community-wide memorial service in tribute to Sunny Spencer, hosted by the Sons of the Pioneers and The Shepherd of the Hills upon the return of the Pioneers to their summer and fall home, here in Branson. Details of the memorial will be released as soon as they are finalized.

Robert “Sunny” Spencer brought to the Sons of the Pioneers a depth of talent that is both unique and impressive. His fine vocal ability, his mastery of the fiddle, clarinet, guitar, banjo, mandolin, sax, trumpet, bass, fiddle, in addition to his often outlandish sense of humor, has added a unique quality to the Pioneers, as evidenced by the love of millions of fans over the twenty-one years he performed with the Pioneers. As Dale Warren described so simply, yet eloquently, “There was only one Sunny Spencer!”

The Sons of the Pioneers will open their 23^rd season in Branson on May 16.