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Mr. Robert “Bruce” Spence, age 70, a resident of Washington, died Sunday July 28, 2024, at ECU Health Inpatient Hospice in Greenville, NC.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Friday, August 2 , 2024 at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington officiated by Rev. Cassidy Salter.  The family will receive friends following the service at Wares Chapel United Methodist Church in Washington.

Bruce was born in Patrick County, VA on August 1, 1953, son of the late Walter Curtis Spence and the late Mary DeHart Spence Hensley.  He was a graduate of Patrick County High School in Virginia and earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from High Point University in North Carolina.  On January 17, 1976, he married the former Phyllis Jean Coleman who survives.  He worked in sales with many companies and retired from outside sales in the safety equipment industry.  Bruce loved history, traveling, camping, reading, and was an avid Washington Redskins fan who refused to refer to them by any other name.  He lived his adult life in Richmond, VA where he raised his children.  He was a member of Wares Chapel United Methodist Church and was President of the UMM until his health declined.

Surviving along with his wife Phyllis of the home are his children: Scott Spence and his wife Tara of East Longmeadow, MA, Ian Spence of Richmond, VA, and Nathan Spence and his wife Melanie of Richmond; brothers: Charles “Sonny” Spence (Betty), Raymond Spence (Earlean), Frank Spence (Francis), and Junior Spence all of Patrick County, VA, and Alvin Ayers of Eden, NC; a sister: Margaret Massey of Patrick County, VA; grandchildren: Leo, Miriam, Seamus, Wren, and Parker Spence; and numerous nieces and nephews including one that was an extra daughter: Tammy Jones of Richmond.

Bruce was predeceased along with his parents by his stepfather: Ellis Hensley, brother: Fred Spence, special cousin Judy Cassidy.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks that memorials contributions be made to Caring Hearts Free Clinic of Patrick County, 835 Woodland Ste 101, Stuart, VA 24171.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve Bruce’s family.