Stockbridge Spence Obituary

Stockbridge Cable Spence Jr. passed away on September 15, 2025, in Lexington, SC, at the age of 93. Cable was born on October 1, 1931, in Orange, NJ, to Stockbridge Cable and Agnes M. Spence. He is predeceased by his parents, Douglas E. Spence (brother), Timothy C. Spence (son). Cable is survived by his wife of nearly 71 years, Carol J. Spence; three daughters, Cathy A. Pine and husband Donald, Kristen C. Neville and husband James, and Jilene S. Kropp and husband David; daughter-in-law Jessica Spence; sister-in-law Raili Spence; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren, with another expected; and five nieces and nephews. Cable grew up in New Jersey, then joined the Marines after graduating from Ridgewood High School. While in the Marines, he met and later married Carol in Oak Park, Illinois, on September 25, 1954. They moved to New Jersey, where he spent many years as a DJ for radio stations in New Jersey and New York, including WERA, WOR, WPIX, and WVNJ. He also worked for Cable TV in Washington, D.C., for a time, but had to use his first name to avoid confusion! He spent the next twenty years working in the marketing departments of Farm Bureau in New Jersey and Illinois, as well as the Coast Guard. While in Illinois, he became a member and later president of the Palette and Chisel in Chicago, where he refined his portrait artistry. After retiring to Florida with Carol, his talent led him to the St. Augustine Art Association, where he also served as president. In Florida, he pursued his love of music by teaching himself to play the banjo and performing for twenty years with the Ancient City Slickers. The group, known for their "BIG FUN MUSIC!!", entertained audiences throughout St. Augustine and recorded several CDs. He especially enjoyed performing and inspiring young musicians wherever he went. Cable was also a lifelong member of the Freemasons, a fraternity that reflected his values of fellowship, service, and community. His community service also extended to Mandarin Baptist Church in Mandarin, Florida, where he enjoyed teaching Sunday school. Carol and Cable enjoyed attending the symphony wherever they lived in New Jersey, Illinois, and Florida. They also loved the opera whenever they had the chance. Together, they painted murals in doctors' offices and homes. Cable was a man with many interests and never enough time to pursue them all. He loved life, being around people, and making them smile. He will be dearly missed for his smile, his laugh, and his joy in life.