Charles "Charlie" Spence

1939 - 2026

Charles "Charlie" Spence
03/31/1939 - 02/15/2026
Charles "Charlie" Spence, 86, of Midland, Texas, passed away February 15, 2026, at home surrounded by family. He was born March 31, 1939, in Steele, Missouri, to Grace Gertrude Huddleston and Aaron Burr Spence.
Charlie served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957 to 1963 and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. He enjoyed a distinguished career as publisher of the Midland Reporter-Telegram, where he championed a free press and civic responsibility. A lifelong pilot and stunt pilot, Charlie also loved motorcycle riding and running. He volunteered tirelessly with United Way, the Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, the Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity and many other local organizations. He loved life, lived it to the fullest, and believed in treating all people with dignity and respect.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Ruth Ann Spence; his parents; his brothers Jerry Spence, Royce Spence, Jim Huddleston and Joe Huddleston; and his sister Nona Morris.
He is survived by his son David Spence and fiancée Kelly Campbell; his daughter Pamela Spence Foster and husband Dan Foster; grandchildren Aaron Spence, Nicole Diamond (Joe Diamond), Ryan Foster and Anna Foster; and great-grandchildren Connor Diamond, Brayden Diamond and Jasmine Paulson.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 9:30 AM Thursday, February 19, 2026 at First Baptist Church Chapel, with interment to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.
The family expresses their gratitude to Hospice of Midland for their unwavering support and comfort and extends heartfelt thanks to his church family at First Family Fellowship Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army, Midland Soup Kitchen, Hospice of Midland, The Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.