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John Spence Obituary

John Robert Spence JAMES ISLAND - Mr. John Robert Spence, 77, of James Island, SC passed away in his home, surrounded by his family that cherished him, on Monday, September 21, 2015. John was born on January 22, 1938 in Veto, Alabama to the late Carl and Mamie Spence. Known for his quiet demeanor, John was a soft spoken gentle giant who enjoyed deer and turkey hunting. During his lifetime, he worked for Royal Typewriter Company as a salesman, Harley Office Machines in Charleston, SC as a service manager, President of Ideal Business Machines in Charleston SC, Outdoor Outfitters, and a partner at Deerfield Plantation hunting lodge in Byrd, SC. His last place of employment was Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community of Charleston, SC. He also served in the Naval Reserves for 8 years. He was a member of the Executive Association of Greater Charleston and Green Meadows Hunt Club. What mattered most to him, however, was his loving wife Judy of 33 years, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and good friends. John is survived by his wife Judith "Judy" York Spence of James Island; his five children, Lynne Sanders Dillehay (Danny) of James Island, Vickie Spence King of Shelton, Washington, Derek Rickus (Dawn) of Bessemer City, NC, Scott Rickus (Lisa) and Tracey Rickus (Carrie), both of Summerville, SC; eleven grandchildren, George King, Robbie King (Janice), Patrick Sanders, Lauren Rickus, Tiffany Rickus, Coleton Rickus, Devin Rickus, Andrew Rickus, Macie Rickus, Dylan Dillehay and Jacob Dillehay; three great-grandchildren, Kadence King, John King Jr. and Jesse King; one brother, Paul Spence (Frances) of Ardmore Tennessee. Funeral services will be held at James Island Presbyterian Church, 1632 Ft Johnson Rd, Charleston SC 29412 on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with a one hour visitation prior to the service. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Ft. Johnson Road, James Island, SC. The family suggests that those who wish may send memorials to Lutheran Hospice, 1885 Rifle Range Road, Mt Pleasant SC 29464. Flower arrangements should be sent to church office during normal business hours. ARRANGEMENTS BY SIMPLICITY Lowcountry Cremation & Burial Services Inc. 7475 Peppermill Pkwy. North Charleston, SC 29418. 843-767-8057 Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Sep. 21 to Sep. 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for John Spence

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Jim & Patty Burkart

September 25, 2015

"Heartstrings stretched on sorrows cross, when touched by pain and grief and loss, give forth a melody of love, played by God's angels up above!" (Author Unknown) So very sorry for your great loss - John will be remembered as Loving and Lovable!!! God Bless!

September 24, 2015

Dear Lynne & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. May God surround you with light and love.
Jan Moore

Carlton and LaVern G Edwards

September 24, 2015

Dear Lynne and Family,
please accept our deepest sympathy as you grieve the loss of your loved one. May our Lord and Savior bless you and your family with His loving and comforting arms.

Andy Price

September 23, 2015

Derek you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you receive Gods blessing during this time. Please let us know if you and Dawn need anything.

Andy, Tonya and the kids.

Joel & Priscilla Larkin

September 23, 2015

Dear Lynne & Family! Please accept our heartfelt expression of condolence and sympathy on the passing of your father John. May he rest in peace and forever be bathed in the light and grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, GOD BLESS. Joel & Priscilla

Scott Feller

September 23, 2015

Sorry to hear about Big John , got the family in my thoughts and prayers

Ken Mihalik

September 23, 2015

A true gentleman. A kind and considerate giant with strength and integrity. A great neighbor and friend. There'll never be another like him. He came from God's unique and sternest casting mold. God bless Judy and family!

Steve Bullock

September 22, 2015

John, You are going to be missed by so many. You brought joy and wisdom to most everyone who had the honor to know you. R.I.P. You will always be remembered.

Debbie Jones

September 22, 2015

John and Judy have been a part of lives for so long I think of them as my family. Thank goodness John is no longer suffering and I can only imagine how much fun he must be having in Heaven - -able to breathe as usual and shooting all the turkeys he can find. Love you Judy!! Debbie and Rob and Bobby

Jim Duncan

September 22, 2015

So sorry to hear this. John you had a great sense of humor and I enjoyed the times we spoke together.

Pat Juntunen

September 22, 2015

Dearest John: You are in heaven now, and I know you are breathing deeply and comfortably. You have lived a good life, been a good man, been loved by a good woman and had good kids and grandkids in your life. I will always remember your friendship to me and my John (Jay), and I will always regret that you and Judy and Jay and I never got together after our lives settled down and we were free as birds in our later years. May you rest in peace, and please know that I will keep in touch with Judy to help her throughout this time of her grief. She does not know until now, that when I saw ya'll a month or so ago, you told me that the thing that bothered you most about your situation was having to leave her.
Love is all powerful. I am so glad that you two found each other.
Love to you and your family Big John.

September 22, 2015

"Goodnight Goodnight" Papa John. We are blessed to have such wonderful memories of hunting weekends, camping trips, and family cookouts with you.
LOVE, Marty, Susie and Anne Marie Maghakian

Karen Alexander

September 22, 2015

Gentle giant is the perfect way to describe John. Judy and all the family, you will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time. He was a great person to know.

September 22, 2015

Glad I was able to tell you in person and many times on the phone how very much I love you. I will miss you terribly but I know you are not suffering anymore. There will never be another like you, however you passed on some of your finest qualities to my boys. They will honor you every day. Love you and miss you.

Nancy Cully

September 22, 2015

John was always so nice to me and will be missed by many. RIP

Paula Newton

September 22, 2015

Dearly loved this great man! A piece of my heart is gone.

george johnson

September 22, 2015

BIG JOHN,as another friend who has known you and been a business partner i'd like to give you credit for helping me grow and steering me in the right direction. although we drifted apart for several years, these last few months have been the most enjoyable to me thanks to you!

Vernell Walker

September 22, 2015

With Sincere Sympathy to you in your time of loss, John was a kind and memorable person, It was a pleasure working with him at Bishop Gadsden. May God continue to bless and keep you Judy and you family. From Vernell Walker

Kay Donald

September 22, 2015

My heart breaks for yall

Danny Dandridge

September 22, 2015

It has been a privilege to have Big John as a friend for 40 plus years. I've hunted, done business and fellowshipped with him and I can say it has always been a pleasure. I will miss my good friend!

Terrie Bowers

September 22, 2015

Judy,
I am so sorry to hear about Spence. When I think of him I always smile and remember the kind gentle soul that made you feel special when you were with him. I enjoyed being able to know him in a professional working relationship. But most of all I am glad to have been able to know him as a friend who was always there to make you feel special, share a laugh, and care about your feelings. I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Take care and cherish your wonderful memories of this very kind man.

Lynne Dillehay

September 22, 2015

Love you Daddy, will miss you so much and will remember your loving us all so well!

sandra christian

September 22, 2015

Loved my uncle John Robert. What a special person.

Yvonne Eddings

September 22, 2015

I am very sorry for the loss of your loved ones. May the God of all comfort, comfort you during this difficult time. ( Psa 83 : 18 )

September 22, 2015

Thinking of your entire family during this difficult time. Love, Marion and Jane

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

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