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James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel 4278 Lafayette Street Marianna, Florida 32446 850.482.2332 Walter Wendell Spence, Jr. Walter Wendell Spence, Jr., 70 of Marianna, passed away on April 19, 2013. He was born in Sneads, Florida, on March 10,1943, to Opal and Walter Spence. He graduated from Marianna High School, received his AA degree from Chipola Junior College and a BS in Pharmacy from the University of Florida in 1966. In July 1966, Walter married Elizabeth Henson Spence. In June, 1967 he was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. During his time in the Air Force, Walter rose to the rank of Captain, serving both overseas and stateside as a Pharmacy Officer. In 1973, Walter moved his family to Marianna, Florida, where he joined Tri-States Automotive Warehouse, Inc. as Vice President for Sales and Operations. He took over as President in 1975 and continued in that capacity until his death. Over the years, Walter was very active with several professional and civic organizations including the Marianna Rotary Club where he served as District Governor for Rotary International from 1994-1995. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Marianna and enjoyed golfing, Gator sports, lake activities and his four grandsons. Walter is survived by his wife of almost 47 years, Elizabeth, his daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Sean Connolly, his son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Jennifer Spence, and four grandsons Steve Spence, Jr., Parker Spence, Sean Connolly, Jr., and Jack Connolly. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Monday, April 22, 2013 at First United Methodist Church in Marianna with Bill Elwell officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. The family will receive friends from 4 - 6 pm on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at The Wesley Center at First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Covenant Hospice of Marianna or the Jackson Hospital Foundation. James and Sikes Funeral Home of Marianna, FL, (850) 482-2332, is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be made online at www.jamesandsikesfuneralhome.com. Sign the guestbook at www.dothaneagle.com.
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Walt was a gentleman and scholar. One of the best guys ever. God Bless Walt and I know youre in a better place
April 16, 2020
Just learned of my cousin Walter's passing. I haven't seen him since we were kids, but often thought of him. Received e-mail from him several months ago; I replied but never heard from him. Guess that's when be became ill. Sympathy to all his family.
Linda (Spence) Seagle
May 17, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of Walter's death. I had recently gotten in touch with him about the Spence family & he was able to help me & he was so excited to learn about his family in NC. This is a great loss; and my heart felt sympathies go out to his wife and children.
Sloan
[email protected]
Sloan Spence Mason
May 17, 2013
I'm very sorry to hear of Walt's passing. He was a fine gentleman, a great golfer, and a great Gator. He will truly be missed.
Jamie Alday
April 30, 2013
I lost a true southern genleman and friend.
lyle moore
April 29, 2013
Walt meant a lot to a lot of people whose life's he touched, my life was touched by this great man and I will never forget him. Libby, my deepest sympathies to you and your family my God bless you all.
Joe Bryan
April 23, 2013
Very sorry to hear about the passing of this great person.It was my pleasure working many years with him in the automotive aftermarket. My best to Libby and everyone at Tried States.
Ron Gay
April 23, 2013
Walter will be truly missed by many in the Marianna community. He loved his family, his church and his Gators.
April 23, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Libby, Kelly, Steven and entire family.I met Walter when he would come to Dozier to visit his Mom Opal at work, who was also my coworker for years until her retirement.Steven and Kelly were just kids back there in the 70's. He was a very nice person.I also remember years later when my Son needed a job,Walter hired him without question. Look to the hills from whence cometh your help. We are praying for your family now and will continue to do so in the future.Never forget, that God knows best
Norma Merritt & Family
April 22, 2013
Spending time around Walter it was evident he lived his life displaying outstanding character and genuine compassion. He will be greatly missed by many. Truly a fine man.
Bob Kimbro
April 22, 2013
Sorry about our GREAT LOSS. It affects all of us. He was a Gentleman and a Scholar. We will miss him.
Wes Polston
Wes Polston
April 22, 2013
My thoughts are with you. Walt took me to my first fraternity rush in Gainesville.
Douglas Gillis
April 22, 2013
Walter was so special to so many and especially to the MHS Class of 1961. Always a friendly smile and a kind word. A very special southern gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jeanie Woodward Griffin
April 21, 2013
So sorry for your loss.
god bless the family.
Dorothy Hyatt
April 21, 2013
So sorry to hear about Walts passing. Everything Walt did he did with perfection. He also helped many people. He ll be missed.
God speed my friend. Phi Alpha. Terry Yon
April 21, 2013
Mr Spence was a nice man. Hope he rest in piece and may God be with his family
April 21, 2013
Mr Spence was a nice man may he rest in piece
April 21, 2013
There are no words for how heartbroken we are over this wonderful mans passing. He and his sweet wife took us in like family and helped us start our own Auto Value Store. Over twenty years Walter has never wavered or let us down. Heaven has a new member now and I'm sure Walter is in charge of greeting and loving new members. Gods Blessings to you Libby and your family....how blessed you have been to have this man as your loved one. Sam and Jan Williams - Kami, Donny and Samuel Smith..... Sams Auto Parts.
Sam Williams
April 21, 2013
It was my honor to care for Walter during his last few months of life. He was a wonderful man with the most beautiful sparkling blue eyes that always had a bit of a twinkle in them. He never spoke a harsh word to anyone, no matter how much pain he was in. My memories of you will hold a special place in my heart.
Jo Elagdi (caregiver)
JoAnn Elagdi
April 21, 2013
To the Spence family, please accept my heartfelt condolences during this time of grieving for Mr. Walter Spence. This is the same man who I will never forget and will always remember as someone who gave me a job when I was in dire. I will forever be greatful and he will never be forgotten in my heart. May he be granted sweet passage into Heaven and into God's mighty arms to hear him say: "Servant, well done!"
Randolph (Randy) Merritt
April 21, 2013
He was a very nice man.
Avery Spell
April 21, 2013
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James & Sikes Funeral Homes - Maddox Chapel4278 Lafayette Street P.O. Box 328, Marianna, FL 32446
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