Long-time Slidell resident Harry D. Spence died at his home in Slidell on July 12, 2014 at age 91. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jabe Benjamin Spence and Ella Jenkins Spence, by his wife Polly and by all 10 of his older brothers and sisters. He is survived by his 5 children: Michael, Steven, Barbara, Joanne, Carol, and by 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren (with 2 more due in September). Mr. Spence was born in a railroad camp in Nicholson, Mississippi, on September 17, 1922. After the family relocated and spent several years at the Southpoint, Louisiana, railroad camp (Orleans Parish) the family moved to Slidell where Mr. Spence spent the remainder of his life. A 1940 graduate of Slidell High School, he later served his country in World War II by joining the U.S. Navy's 76th Construction Battalion ("Seabees"). Mr. Spence served for 2 years in Hawaii, Guam, and later with the Japan Occupation Forces in late 1945 (in the 98th Construction Battalion); he was very proud of his service. Upon arriving back to Slidell, he started his over 40-year career with the Central Louisiana Electric Company (CLECO) as a lineman becoming a well-known and recognized figure around Slidell and Pearl River. In 1952, he found the love of his life with Polly (Pauline) Bird of Lacombe and started a family. Early on Harry and Polly were active in the Kiwanis Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) with both serving in a number of positions. Mr. Spence was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church and they attended faithfully through all their years and enjoyed being regular choir members. He had a lovely bass voice and would occasionally solo in the choir despite being hard of hearing. "Mr. Harry" also volunteered for many duties and functions including Cub Scout Pack 344 leader and Boy Scout leader for Troop 344 (First United Methodist Church of Slidell). He also enjoyed for years amateur astronomy and built his own telescopes. Mr. Harry was an avid duck hunter in the area since he was a teenager and for years ran catfish lines in the Pearl River as well as regular fishing and shrimping in Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Borgne, and The Rigolets. A number of Slidell residents and some of his Boy Scouts were invited on these duck hunts and many were lucky recipients of his renowned duck dinners. He was also famous for his deep-dish cobblers and home-made ice cream of which he made countless gallons over the years. He was a man most generous with his time and would be ready to volunteer to help anyone – and a fantastic father, mentor, teacher, and a man of great faith. In retirement Mr. Harry took up deer hunting, decoy carving, lamp making, and being a regular and active member of G.O.S.H. (Guardians of Slidell History). There will be a wake held at the Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 Gause Blvd. West, on Thursday evening, July 17th from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. An additional viewing will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 433 Erlanger St., Slidell, starting at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 18, 2014, with the funeral service to start promptly at 11:00 AM at the church. Interment will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery right after the conclusion of the funeral service. We invite all to proceed with us after the service to the cemetery. Please visit www.honakerforestlawn.com to sign guestbook. Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.
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6 Entries
July 18, 2014
Shar Everhart-Brooks
Mr. Harry was a wonderful influence in my life. He helped teach my brothers and me gun safety...he sang beautifully in our church choir...was a good friend to my own father Charlie Everhart...and I'm so glad he is pain free sitting at GOD's table or maybe out fishing and hunting. May GOD comfort his earthly family and give them peace in knowing he happily awaits their reunion.
July 17, 2014
Mr Harry was always so nice when I would have to call him out to go to work years ago. I never got the chance to meet him personally but felt like he was a friend. Deepest sympaty.Daisy Lemmons
July 17, 2014
Mike Polk
I had the privilege to work with Mr. Harry at Cleco before he retired, he was a great man and employee, he instilled in us younger guy's his tremendous work ethic and gladly passed on his knowledge of line work. Enjoyed seeing him at all the Christmas parties after his retirement, will be missed greatly.
July 17, 2014
Steve and Judy Wiggins
Uncle Harry was a fine man. What a wonderful life he lived and he was a role model and an inspiration to all that knew him. We always enjoyed being with Uncle Harry at family gatherings. You could count on hearing some great stories and eating some of his wonderful homemade ice cream. We will miss Uncle Harry, but, there is no doubt that he is in heaven with God.
We offer our deep condolences to the rest of our family and Uncle Harry's friends.
With sympathy,
Steve and Judy Wiggins
July 16, 2014
Lynn Galloway Jester
I remember Mr. Harry so fondly. He was a dear friend of the family. Barbara I am so sorry for your loss. I know how close you were to your dad. He was a wonderful man and will be sadly missed. Garry and I extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family. God bless!
July 16, 2014
Debbie Edenfield
This sweet man will be missed. He always had a smile and we remember all the stories he would tell. We send our deepest sympathy.
Debbie Wiggins Edenfield and Yvonne Wiggins
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Honaker Funeral Home, Inc. - Slidell1751 Gause Boulevard W P.O. Box 6087, Slidell, LA 70460
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