Willie E. Spence

Willie E. Spence, age 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Bailey, Mississippi, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Born on December 21, 1935, to Eli Whitney Spence and Emma Welborn Spence, Willie was raised in the Suqualena community, where he learned the values of hard work, humility, and devotion that would define his life.

Willie served Active Duty in the United States Air Force for over 25 years, living in many cities in the US, serving 2 tours in Okinawa (Japan) in the 1970’s, and traveling to many foreign countries for temporary assignments. He always worked extra side jobs in addition to his military service to provide the best life he could for his 4 children, whom he raised from the ages of 3, 5, 7, and 10 as a single Dad. He made most of the household furniture and window coverings. The house was always clean; the yard was always well-manicured. He also cooked delicious balanced hot meals after hard days at work!

After proudly serving in the United States Air Force, Willie retired in 1980 and returned to Meridian, Mississippi. In 1984, he met and married the love of his life, Hazel. Together, they built a beautiful, blended family of ten children and shared 41 years of unwavering partnership, laughter, and love.

Willie’s hands were never idle. Whether working with wood, tending to his garden, restoring vehicles, upholstering furniture, or lending a hand to neighbors, he embodied the values of integrity and perseverance. His craftsmanship was not only a skill but a legacy—many in the family still cherish the pieces he built with care and precision.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Hazel Spence of Bailey; his five sons: Glen Spence (Diallyn) of Calera, AL, Chuck Spence (Abby), Jimmy Jones, Robby Jones, and Larry Jones (Jeana), all of Meridian; and his four daughters: Debbie Spence Carmody (Paul) of Virginia Beach, Brenda Jones Carey, Barbara McNeal (Doug), and Cathy Sowell (Richie), all of Meridian. He is also survived by his sisters, Sara Beeman (Larry) and Patsy McCarter (Ken), along with a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family who will carry his memory forward.

Affectionately known as “Pappy” , Willie was the loved grandfather of 19 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren—each one a testament to the family values he held dear.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Eli W and Emma Welborn Spence, his son Douglas Spence, his bothers Everette Spence and Harold Spence and sisters Sandra Spence Goss and Earline Spence Carr, and great grandson Kamryn Rey Mattar.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or American Cancer Society.

Funeral services for Mr. Willie E. Spence will begin at 1:00 PM on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Webb & Stephens Funeral Home North, located at Hwy 39 N in Meridian, Mississippi. Interment will follow at Gum Log Church Cemetery in Bailey. The family will receive guests from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM prior to the service in the chapel. Webb & Stephens are honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Legacy Hospice, Home Instead Senior Care and Jessica Randall for their unwavering support, kindness, and care during Willie’s final journey.

"His hands built more than wood and stone— They built a legacy, a home. Though he rests, his love remains, In every heart that bears his name."