Vernon Spence

Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL

Viewed: 1798

Posted by: Warren Holloway Ward FH
[email protected]
334-684-9999
Date: Dec 08 2021 8:09 AM

Mr. Vernon Spence of Geneva, Alabama passed away on Monday, December 6, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was 79 years old. 

Vernon was born on April 19, 1942 in Escambia County, Florida.  He graduated from Ernest Ward High School in 1959 where he played basketball and held a record for the most points scored in a game, 58, for over forty years.  After graduation and while working in Atlanta, Ga., he met the love of his life, Linda Joyce Pope, and married her just three months later. Vernon and his family moved to Geneva in 1973 when he took a position with Benson Wholesale, which later became Fleming Foods.  He continued to work for Fleming Foods in Management in the Health and Beauty Aids Division until his retirement in 1998.

Vernon was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Geneva where he taught Sunday School and was awarded the esteem honor of Deacon Emeritus.  He was a member of the Porch Band of Creek Indians in Atmore, Alabama.  Vernon loved sports and would often be found coaching his wife and children.  He enjoyed fishing, dove and quail hunting, Alabama football, and Freddy Fender.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, at the First Baptist Church in Geneva with Dr. Edwin Scott officiating.  Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 12:30 p.m. until the start of the service. 

Vernon is preceded in death by his father, Ransom C. Spence; mother, Evelyn English Spence; sister, Betty Hare; and granddaughter, Ayla Perez.

He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 60 years, Linda Pope Spence; one son, Darryl (Ann) Spence, Enterprise, AL; three daughters: Tonya (Ernie) Roney, Teresa (Ivan) Perez, and Tammy (Keith) Owen all of Geneva, AL; two sisters: Inez Freeman, Walnut Hill, FL and Carolyn (Ervin) Thortis, McDavid, FL; one brother, James (Jessie) Spence, Atmore, AL; 9 grandchildren: Brandon (Christie) Spence, Dothan, AL; Brooke (Brandon) Hurst, Dothan, AL; Shawna (Morgan) Kelley, Norfolk, VA.; Tori Kelley, Enterprise, AL; Drew (Ally) Roney, Geneva, AL; Dustin (Connie) Roney, Samson, AL; Jamison (Madeline) Roney, Tallahassee, FL; Avery (Jackie) Perez, Enterprise, AL; Addyson Perez, Mobile, AL; Devin Shoemaker, Coffee Springs, AL; Cody (Taylor) Shoemaker, Geneva, AL; Katie Owen, Opp, AL; Ty (Bryttany) Owen, Geneva, AL; and 17 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by many special in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Debbie Whittle, First Light Home Care and Kindered Hospice for the care and service they have provided over the past several years.

Serving as pallbearers will be Vernon’s grandsons: Drew Roney, Brandon Spence, Dustin Roney (Honorary), Devin Shoemaker, Cody Shoemaker, Avery Perez and Jamison Roney.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions made to First Baptist Church, 309 S. Commerce Street, Geneva, AL   36340.

 

Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. "Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com

 

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