SPENCE, The Rev. Dr. Raymond L., Jr., 86, of Richmond, Va., passed away peacefully at home on January 3, 2023, surrounded by family. He was Pastor Emeritus of Second Baptist Church. Believing to the end that God's guidance never faltered, Ray slipped into the arms of his heavenly Father. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mamie Heard Spence and Raymond Lee Spence; and his sister, Lallage Dilworth. He is survived by his loving wife and devoted partner of 64 years, Ann Williamson Spence; his sons, Lee (Suzanne Marie) and Walter (Suzanne Briana); three grandchildren, Briana, Walter "Bucky" and Charlotte; his brother, Hartie Spence; and a host of relatives and dear friends.

Born in West Monroe, Louisiana, Ray enjoyed a childhood he described as charmed, one that was punctuated by rugged outdoor pursuits in the woodlands of northern Louisiana – hunting, fishing and camping. Throughout his life, Ray continued this love of the outdoors and shared it with his family at his Chesapeake Bay cottage and on his fishing boat, the Mary Lou.

It was after his junior year of high school that Ray experienced a real stirring to pursue a profession related to religion. He became convinced that God was directing his path – a belief that never diminished. His college years at Louisiana State University began laying the foundation for the education he needed to follow this calling.

During his college years at LSU, Ray pursued his love of football, and for the rest of his life, his loyalty as an LSU fan never waivered. Though he was drafted to play professional football, Ray turned down the offer to follow his calling, and importantly to marry his classmate, Ann.

After graduation, Ray and Ann moved to Louisville, Ky., where Ray attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. From there, he accepted his first assignment, a fourteen-month stint as pastor of Bruington Baptist Church in King and Queen County, Va. In 1962, he accepted the call to Second Baptist Church, located at that time on Franklin Street in downtown Richmond.

It would be Second Baptist that defined Ray's career. Hand in hand with Ann, he struggled to revive the venerable but declining downtown church, and when it proved impossible to reinvigorate Second Baptist, he was instrumental in moving the church to its present location at Gaskins and River Roads. In this vibrant location, Ray led Second Baptist to its present position as one of Richmond's strongest and most influential congregations.

His dedication to his community was exemplified by the many boards on which he served, the following are but a few - Foreign Mission Board, Collegiate School, Board of Trustees University of Richmond, President of Forum Club, Fin Fish Sub-Committee of Va. Marine Resource Commission, Chairman of Richmond Eye & Ear Health Associates – now MEDARVA and Board Chairman of Carmel School in Ruther Glen, Va.

A special thanks to caregivers, Lyuba, Esther, Della, Jenell, Annie and Franklin.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, January 7, at Second Baptist Church. Burial in Hollywood Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider Second Baptist Church, 9614 River Road, Richmond, Va. 23229.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jan. 5, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Spence

Sponsored by Bennett Funeral Homes Central Chapel - Richmond.

33 Entries

Mike styles

April 28, 2025

Love Dr. Spence as a pastor and his family!

Jack and Kay Gates

January 2, 2025

Ray was our family's spiritual leader and dear friend for over three decades and we still miss him terribly every day. He made us better in our good days and lifted us up during our bad ones. This world's loss was a gain in heaven and the Lord now has an "LSU tiger" angel! Ann and his family remain in our prayers.

Rita Watkins

January 12, 2023

Ann, Walter and Lee,

Words cannot express how much Ray meant to me over the last few years. He was one of the kindest souls I´ll ever meet and I am going to miss him dearly. I always loved talking with him every couple weeks about SEC football and all things boy mom. He would always say "Lee and Walter love mom!!" and told me just how special the bond I have with little Hays will be. We really became close over the last few years sharing stories, pictures and life updates. I already really miss talking with him. Love him. Sending love to the Spence family. Miss you so much, Ray!

Debbie and Bill Winston

January 9, 2023

Ann, Walter, and Lee,
Our family is so saddened to learn of Ray's passing. My wife and I were just thinking of him recently wondering how he was doing. We ran into Ray and Ann at the ER at Henrico Drs. after he had a fall at the river, never a concern for himself, only concern for our Daughter who was there for her own injury. Ray has been a friend to our family as long as I can remember. My Dad and Ray went on many bird hunts together which I was fortunate to be on some of those and I have many great memories. I can remember while at Camp Virginia when Ray and Ann would come to visit Lee and Walter, he would always go out of his way to find me and ask me how I was doing and always had kind words for me. Ray married my Wife and I as well as presiding over both my parents funerals. We were all very fortunate to have someone like Ray in our lives and we too were members of 2nd Baptist and no one delivered a sermon like he did. He was one of a kind and there are far too few men like him with his character and personality left out there and it is a great loss to us all. He will be missed but forever in our hearts and minds.

Roger Spence

January 8, 2023

When our family moved back to Richmond 21 years ago, we joined Second Baptist and quickly realized that we were one, if not the only other Spence family at Second. When the registration book was passed each Sunday, I often noticed people down the row would bend over and give us a look. Often they would come up after the service and say "are you related to Dr. Spence?" To which I would always say "Yes, he's my Uncle Ray!" After a minute or two I'd fess up, but it was great fun and I always asked them to speak to Ray on the way out and say "Dr. Spence, we met your nephew this morning." When Sandy and I made it to the front door he'd always say "Roger, you've got to cut out that Uncle stuff." "Yes, Uncle Ray, but it's just too much fun for all of us!" And it was. I later loaned "Uncle Ray" my family history back to Fife, Scotland, and although he kept it for six years, we could never make a connection between his Louisiana Spences and my North Carolina Spences. Although not a blood relative, I can say without question that he was one of the finest Spences I've ever known, actually one of the finest Spences ever! We so blessed to have known him and will miss him greatly.

Marshall Moore

January 8, 2023

I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Ray Spence. He was one of the finest people I ever knew. I lived in Richmond for about ten years during which time I attended Second Baptist Church, where my parents and my brother and his family were all members. Ray conducted the funerals of my Grandmother, both parents and my brother and the first time I ever heard him preach, I knew he was something special. He was always welcoming and
supportive and it was a pleasure to have had the opportunity to know him over the years. My condolences to Ann and the rest of the family. Ray will be missed.

Spencer Parker

January 8, 2023

Condolences to the family. Know that he reached so many Richmonders during his time at 2nd Baptist, myself included, and more than lived a life of service that we should all strive for. RIP Reverend Spence!

Lynn Myer

January 7, 2023

I am so saddened to hear this. Dr. Spence married my husband and myself, baptized our children and was the best preacher I have found to this day. His sermons always seemed like they were directed to each member of the congregation. There were many times that I would cry or laugh out loud when he preached. He was an important mentor in my life and I will dearly miss him. My heart and prayers go out to his family.
Lynn Myer

Quigg Lawrence

January 7, 2023

Dr, Spence was the best. Bigger than life. One memory I will never forget, since I too am a hunter: In the 1970's when 2nd Baptist was still in a pretty rural area, he saw a huge buck outside his pastor's study. The Rev. got his gun and sent that buck straight to meet his Maker and to the Spence's grill. Ironically, and unexpectedly, I followed in his footsteps and became a pastor. Guess he showed me you can be a man's man and still be a pastor. Much love and comfort to Mrs. Spence and the "boys."

Jon and Patty King

January 7, 2023

Mrs. Spence,
We were so sorry to hear about the death of Dr. Spence. What a wonderful man and y´all were a wonderful couple. We were very blessed to know him. We will continue to pray for you and your entire family.
Fondly, Jon and Patty King

Cheryl Hesser Lee

January 7, 2023

I just received the call and had spoken of Ray this week with my daughter. He was never from our thoughts as he was not only our pastor and friend but my boss as I started the Creative Learning Center at our church. He believed as I did that children are the life of the church and as the school thrived so would the church. My time a preschool director was one of my most cherished memories in my educational career.
Ray went the extra mile for his congregation as when he held the baptism for our daughter Tracy in the midst of a snow storm. My parents had flown in from Oklahoma and he called saying even though church and schools were closed if we could get to church he could! And so did!
We have missed him since we moved back to Oklahoma in 1992 and will miss him
Still!
My husband Jeff has been hospitalized for two years with a traumatic brain injury from a fall on the ice in our drive. Ray was the only preacher my husband ever regularly went to hear and partly because they were football and outdoorsmen.
He will be missed by all who crossed his path.
God Speed!

John & Kim Boyer

January 7, 2023

Ann, you and Dr Spence have meant so very much to my parents, Bill & Shirley Dawson, and also the entire family these last 40 years
There have been sorrowful times and many many joyful times. You both have ministered to our entire family in ways you may not ever know. We love you dearly and will continue to pray for you in the days ahead
May the Lord comfort you and the family
John & Kim Boyer

Page Marchetti

January 7, 2023

Our family has so many wonderful memories of Ray and Ann. They have touched our lives through generations, including our parents, brother, children, nieces and nephew. The Spence´s are a very special family and we send our love and prayers.

Bob & Karla Raymond

January 7, 2023

Walter shared so many stories about his dad you could imagine being right there with him. The bay house, boats, hunting and him growing up. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Spence family.
Bob &

Leesa F Hyman

January 6, 2023

Dearest Ann, I'm thinking of you during this time of loss. Ray was such a wonderful man; you are in my heart and in my prayers.

Earl Parker

January 6, 2023

Having heard stories from Walt and reading the memories shared, the positive impact that Dr. Spence had on so many peoples lives is amazing. Hoping those and the many good memories will help you through this time of sadness.

R.P. and Jeanine Hodge

January 6, 2023

Sorry for your loss Mrs. Ann and family! Dr. Spence did great work in promoting and expanding the Gospel of our Lord and Savior throughout the world. We know he will be greatly missed. Prayers for you-all in the days ahead for God's comfort, peace and strength.

"Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4

Anne L. (Laurie) McIntosh

January 6, 2023

Dear Ann and all the Spences,
Ray meant more to me and my family than you will ever know. He and my father (Bill McIntosh) were true friends as well as ministerial "partners" at 2nd Baptist and enjoyed their time together serving the congregation.

Ray will not be forgotten by those of us who had the privilege of knowing him as a man of God and a steadfast friend especially in times of sorrow as well as joy.

May God's presence bring all of you peace at this difficult time,

Laurie McIntosh

Cheryl and John Billingsley III

January 5, 2023

John and I have so many wonderful memories of Dr Spence. John had him in class at Collegiate School. When I moved to Ricmond in 1981, I wanted to join a, preferably, Baptist church. John said Ray was amazing and we joined Second Baptist Church. Ray spread God's word wherever he went and had a tremendous influence on our family. His preaching was so down to earth and touching. We will all miss Dr Spence. God has a beautiful angel.

Diana Winston

January 5, 2023

Sincerest condolences to Ann and the Spence family. Joe and I heard Ray preach once and decided to join Second Baptist. At times Ray seemed bigger than life and wise beyond his years. He always had the perfect words for any occasion and many a Sunday we left church wondering how Ray knew we needed that message. Well done God´s good and most faithful servant. We celebrate a life well lived.
Joe and Diana Winston

Sharon Murphy Sims

January 5, 2023

Mrs. Spence and family, I send my sincere condolences. We were neighbors over 40 years ago on Ralston Rd. Rev. Spence always looked out for me.
Sharon Murphy Sims

Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Corre Spence

Sent Flowers

William C. Garrett, Jr. (Bill)

January 5, 2023

Ray Spence was a dear friend of the Garrett family in Essex County, VA. He conducted a revival at our Ephesus Baptist Church during his pastorate at Bruington church. He has been pastor to all of us by conducting a wedding at our Southland Farm in Bowlers Wharf, and conducting the funeral of our patriarch, W. C. "Wit" Garrett. Some of our family members, the Axselles, have been members of Second Baptist and have benefitted from his teachings and presence over many years. We thank God for our friendship with, and for the life of, Rev. Dr. Ray Spence.

Kenny and Carol Timmons

January 5, 2023

Sending love and condolences to the Spence Family. You have always been special friends.

Gary & Bitsy Coddington

January 5, 2023

Our love and prayers go to the family.

Cindy Belz

January 5, 2023

Dr. Spence was such a wonderful man. I felt so honored that he would open his home to marry my husband and I. That was such a special day that I will never forget. When he preached I felt like he was just talking to me. Thank you Dr. Spence for the special man you were to me. Thinking of his family and praying.

Milton J(Joe) Hoover III

January 5, 2023

My heartfelt condolences to you, Mrs. Spence, and the boys. I had been away from Richmond for more than 20 years, but was visiting Collegiate yesterday, when I received the news of Dr. Spence's passing. He was a man larger than life. I have so many fond memories of him as teacher, pastor, counselor, but most of all, friend. If I might, I will miss him so much. I am assured he is on the right-hand of our Lord. Rest in peace, you wonderful Servant of our Lord.

Jennifer Vidovich

January 5, 2023

Prayers for peace for Rev. Spence and the family he leaves behind.

Jill Grant

Sent Flowers

Jack & Kay Gates

January 5, 2023

Our hearts go out to Ann, Lee & Walter and the entire Spence family. The world has lost an wonderful man who dedicated his life to serving the Lord but the Lord has gained a good and faithful servant. Our friendship go all the back to LSU and we will miss his warm smile, his love of God's nature and his willingness to help anybody that needed help.
RIP fellow "Tiger"

Jackie and Chris Burke

January 5, 2023

I have fond memories of listening to Dr. Spence preach, but most of all, being in his presence. He was bigger than life. Our hearts go out to his family. He will be missed greatly.

Ashley Musheno

January 5, 2023

What a wonderful legacy Rev. Spence leaves behind! Prayers and blessings to Spence family and friends!

Irene Shields

January 5, 2023

Dear Spence Family, Love, prayers and deepest sympathy are coming your way at this very sad time. Dr. Spence was a friend of years ago when my mother and I would go to Second Baptist with my sister, Barbara Strickland, who was a member. He was a wonderful, kind and loving Christian man and enjoyed each visit. We always felt at home. He always made us welcomed. We were blessed by knowing Dr. Spence.

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