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Christopher Spence Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Spence
Bryan White
June 6, 2025
It is hard to believe it has been 10 years since my 8th grade North Carolina history teacher passed away. Now, the Elizabeth City Junior High School in Elizabeth City, NC is an apartment complex. I am 61 years old now, but I remember a lot from that 1977-78 school year. I was lost in Algebra, but I loved going to Mr. Spence's history class. He made it interesting and filled the hour with good stories. I remember he had such a love of sports, as he was the 8th grade football coach. I am so glad he lived out his dream and got to coach high school basketball in Greensboro, NC. I hope his family is doing well, and keeps him in their hearts everyday. Mr. Spence lived a complete life. By that I mean he loved and helped a lot of people while he was on earth. We need more people like that. God bless his family today!
Hugh White
June 6, 2019
It is hard to believe it has been four years. I think of him every time I read a new history book. I think it is fitting he passed at the end of the school year. He was one of my favorite teachers, and certainly his life was well served. I know he influenced a lot of students in a positive way.
Will Owens
May 19, 2018
Sleep in peace Coach. I wont ever forget you
Hugh White
June 24, 2015
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr.Spence. He was my 8th grade North Carolina history teacher at the old Elizabeth City Junior High School during the 1977-78 school year. His teaching inspired me to major in history in college. He always brought enthusiasm, energy, and passion to the subject. Like any great teacher he always put the student first.
I remember that Mr. Spence told us that things were not always easy for him, but he persevered as a student and worked hard to be a competitive wrestler at Elizabeth City State university. I think the works selfless, perseverance, energy, nice, compassion, and enthusiasm describe "Coach" Spence. They also spell his name. He passed these values and qualities onto his students and athletes. He will be truly missed. I now live in Greensboro, and wish I had run into him again. MY thoughts are with his wife and family.
Hike
June 18, 2015
Last time i saw him was at North Carolina Coaches Clinic in Greensboro Saddened ,Prayers to his Family and Friends of Coach Spence.Coach Spence was the first Coach him and Coach Pulley to believe in my talents.You will be missed.
June 18, 2015
To the family of "Coach" Spence. He was a great inspiration and a dedicated teacher who help shape many junior high school school students (Elizabeth City Jr. High) To the family my thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy. BE ENCOURAGED!!! IN JESUS NAME....AMEN...
Ronnie Allen
June 15, 2015
To the family of Chris Spence my deepest sympathy and prayers that God will give you strength in your hour of darkness. I have fond memories of Chris from St. Catherines through Northeastern High he was truly a great individual I respected. My prayers are with you.
Viola Lewis
June 14, 2015
Chris lives in the great memories the gang and I shared with him. Great person who will truly be missed by his friends and family.
Sylvia Sylvester Shabazz
June 14, 2015
I was so sorry to hear that Chris passed. It had been a long time since I had seen him. He was a good friend to me in high school. God bless his family and Rest in peace my friend.
Jerry McGee
June 13, 2015
Just a tremendous person with a great heart who cared about kids. Simple as that.
CA Staten
June 13, 2015
My condolences to Chris "The Best Coach I ever had" Spence Family.
Never forgetting how you pushed me to be the best player I could be. Even off the field hanging at the house for a few lol moments with family.
May you RIP!
Clementine Cone
June 13, 2015
My heart is saddened to hear of Chris' passing. I have fond memories of him going back to our days as young cousins and schoolmates playing on Martin Street. I got a chance to see him Coach in later years. I know that he believed and that our Heavenly Father will watch over and keep his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Donnie Simpson
June 13, 2015
So sorry & shocked to hear the passing of Chris. He was a great guy & coach. He will be missed.
Kinta Turner
June 13, 2015
Coach! Where do I begin...the news of your passing took my breath completely away as I was in the process of locating your contact info to tell you about our NHS c/o '95 reunion. While we know, to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord, your presence will surely, surely be missed. Over the past few days, I've been reflecting on the opportunity you afforded me to play overseas in the international basketball tournament. I even pulled out a few pics! Thank you plenty, for being one of the greatest athletic influences in my life and for being a great mentor and friend. Rest in peace, Coach. NHS Lady Eagles forever!
Latrice Davis
June 13, 2015
I met Mr. Spence at the South Greensboro Dialysis Unit (Adams Farm) . He showed me great kindness and we talked, swapping our stories of how we ended up on dialysis. He reminded me of my own dad. I will miss him and his presence will be missed if not just for those 5 miin we would talk before we were called in for treatment. May he rest in peace!
June 13, 2015
To Cecile and the rest of the family. We wish you God's strength and love at this difficulty time. Love always
Anne, Mike and Ashley
Colethia Felton-Mullen
June 13, 2015
Coach you played a great deal in my life and I thank you. The last time I so you was at Corner Stone and you told me great job!!!! You are truly missed. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends. Like you always said Eagles for life!!!!
Jalisia Williams
June 13, 2015
I loved coach Spence! He was my civics teacher in high school, one of the very best....RIP
leontre johnson
June 13, 2015
R.I.P. Coach Spence you help me be a better person in school. You was always the one man I could turn to for a great word to push me when it came to doing my school work, sports, and life. I will miss you Coach Spence.
rachel kaplan (overton)
June 13, 2015
Coach or should I say cousin. I could always depend on you for a laugh, a hug and a pass for being late. I just saw you not to long ago and your words will always be in my heart. You said to me how proud you were of me and the woman I had become. To keep pushing. Thank you for everything.
Tami Landers
June 12, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Coach Spence inspired many and he will be missed.
June 12, 2015
May your family find strength in your faith during this time of mourning. God bless you all
Arthur Turner
June 12, 2015
May God bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time. We are blessed to have known him. My condolences to the family!
Leroy Hinton
June 12, 2015
"What we do for ourselves dies with us.
What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal".
What you did with those kids will live on forever. REST EASY, You gave your all.
Donald Johnson
June 12, 2015
R.I.P Coach Spence, he will be sadly missed. Glad that you was my coach and had love for all your students. You brought the best out of everyone and will be missed by all
Charles Griffin
June 12, 2015
Sad to hear this news. My condolences to his family. He was my 8th grade home room teacher at ECJH and he always pushed us to strive for the best.
Clarence Morris
June 12, 2015
To have an ever lasting effect on someone's life is a special gift and coach spence had that gift. We all loved him.
Vanessa Ford
June 12, 2015
It is truly sad to hear of coach Spence passing. His name will be spoken in our stories about our time with him and around him at school. Our sympathy goes out to the family.
Respectfully,
Vanessa Ford- Class of 86'
anita figgs
June 12, 2015
R.I.P. Coach Spence. It was an honor being one of your students. God and taken you under his wing and has set you FREE.
Yolanda Rowland ( Fite)
June 12, 2015
Coach Spence will missed he was one of the nicest teacher at ECMS
Linda Tate
June 12, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss...RIP Chris...To the Soence Family...you are in my Prayers.....Linda Tate...Houston Tx..
Regina Powell
June 12, 2015
I am sorry to hear about Coach Spence he was my 8th grade home room teacher at Ecms he will truly be missed!
Melinda (Tuttle) Culver
June 12, 2015
Cecile, I'm so sorry to hear of your terrible loss. You know I had the pleasure of knowing Chris as a teacher and as a colleague. He was a real educator - one who cared for the teenagers in his charge, not just their academic or athletic ability. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Natalie Hinton-Stalling
June 12, 2015
Praying for Gods strength to bring you through this time.
EVERETT WALSTON
June 12, 2015
RIP Cousin shall miss you .
Curtis Spence
June 12, 2015
Sorry to hear about Christopher L. Spence. Condolences to his family.
Curtis E. Spence
Sheryl (Richards) Glaze
June 12, 2015
Coach Spence was my all-time favorite teacher - the one and only teacher who made me enjoy PE....So very sorry for your loss. Condolences and prayers for you and your family. RIP Coach.
June Simpson
June 12, 2015
Sorry for the loss of chris. He was a very inspiring man & will be missed my condolences go out to the family.
Donnie Richards
June 12, 2015
I will never forget some of the lessons you taught me on and off the field. RIP Coach.
Echele Franklin
June 12, 2015
It's a sad day to hear this news. I had Coach Spence as a teacher 25 years ago. He was one of the best! Thoughts and prayers to the family! Godspeed Coach!!
June 12, 2015
I first met Chris when we attended Northeastern High School. He was a very comical person and was fun to be around. His death is also a great loss to people here in Elizabeth City. May God grant peace and comfort to his family at this difficult time. Lord, please place your hand onhis mother. He was her rock and she will miss him terribly. We know that you have all power in your hands and can provide peace in their hearts. May God bless each and every one of them with his loving care.
Mary Bynum
June 12, 2015
To the family I have never been able to tell coach how he made a difference in my life, but I want you all to know he did.I could never had the courage to follow my dream without the push and discipline he provided. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten.
Erica Ward Foy
June 12, 2015
Coach Spence was a wonderful man and a great coach. He will be missed.
Clifton Elliott
June 12, 2015
May our Heavenly Father continue to Bless your family. For you will always be in our heart and prayers. Clifton & Arthurlyn Elliott
Darry and Vernell Hampton
June 12, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.....God Bless..
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