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John Spence Obituary
John Huston Spence, age 78 of Oak Ridge, passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 1, 2014 with his loving wife of 56 years by his side.
John was born October 17, 1935 in Paragould, Arkansas and was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Lafayette and Mabel Huston Spence.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, Kyle Spence and Terry Spence (Audra) of Murfreesboro; daughter, Karla Kurtz (Billy); brother, Ray Loren Spence (Freda); brother-in-law, William Simmons (Patty); granddaughter, Khari Spence; step-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Colton, and Chandler Hillhouse, and Tyler Burnett; Kyle's fiancée Andrea and her children, Jack and Nicole (Troy), and granddaughter, Skyler; many nieces and nephews; and other family members.
Mr. Spence graduated from Oklahoma State University and then served four years in the United States Marine Corps. He worked 38 years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He was a regular and active member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He was an avid sports fan. He was a walking encyclopedia of baseball statistics and trivia. He was quick-witted with a dry sense of humor and a superb storyteller.
While growing up, it was not unusual for his children to hear, "You make a better door than a window" and "If you can't hear my whistle, you've gone too far." These and many other memories will be treasured by those who knew him.
John's health was in decline the last several years, but Parkinson's disease took a significant toll on his quality of life the past several months.
A graveside service will be held at the Oak Ridge Memorial Park on Monday, October 6th at 3:30 p.m., with the Reverend William Kurtz presiding.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of John to either The Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church Foundation, Inc. (Trinity Oak Ridge Endowment, PO Box 900, Alcoa, TN 37701; Attn.: Roger Redding); the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge (116 East Division Rd., Oak Ridge, TN 37830); or your favorite charity.
An online guest book may be signed at weatherfordmortuary.com.
Weatherford Mortuary, (865) 482-2464.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Spence
3 Entries
Russ Carvin
October 6, 2014
What a fine man. John was my supervisor for about two years and was, simply put, a very good and caring person. His memory for numbers was incredible!
Short story: We found a work jacket contaminated on a building survey. I reported it to John and he discussed the person whose jacket it was for at least 10 minutes. Ending it with, "oh, he died threes ago!" That was really all we needed for the report, but John wanted us to know the entire history of that jacket!
He will always remain in my heart as a dear boss that helped me along my career.
I am very glad that I got to know him.
God Bless him and his family.
Vicki Jordan
October 3, 2014
Terry, so sorry for your loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If there is anything I can do for you , let me know. Lots of love and hugs to all your family!!!!
Betty Edwards
October 3, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know he had been sick. I will keep you in my prayers.
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Weatherford Mortuary - Oak Ridge158 South Jefferson Circle, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
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