Walter Spence, Jr.

James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel Walter Wendell Spence, Jr., 70 of Marianna, passed away on April 19, 2013. He was born in Sneads, Florida, on March 10,1943, to Opal and Walter Spence. He graduated from Marianna High School, received his AA degree from Chipola Junior College and a BS in Pharmacy from the University of Florida in 1966. In July 1966, Walter married Elizabeth Henson Spence. In June, 1967 he was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. During his time in the Air Force, Walter rose to the rank of Captain, serving both overseas and stateside as a Pharmacy Officer. In 1973, Walter moved his family to Marianna, Florida, where he joined Tri-States Automotive Warehouse, Inc. as Vice President for Sales and Operations. He took over as President in 1975 and continued in that capacity until his death. Over the years, Walter was very active with several professional and civic organizations including the Marianna Rotary Club where he served as District Governor for Rotary International from 1994-1995. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Marianna and enjoyed golfing, Gator sports, lake activities and his four grandsons. Walter is survived by his wife of almost 47 years, Elizabeth, his daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Sean Connolly, his son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Jennifer Spence, and four grandsons Steve Spence, Jr., Parker Spence, Sean Connolly, Jr., and Jack Connolly. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Monday, April 22, 2013 at First United Methodist Church in Marianna with Bill Elwell officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. The family will receive friends from 4 - 6pm on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at The Wesley Center at First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Covenant Hospice of Marianna or the Jackson Hospital Foundation.