Talmage Tolly Spence, Jr.

November 8, 2016

The Lord called home another one of America’s “Greatest Generation” Tuesday, November 8, 2016, Talmage T. Spence, Jr., 91, of Charlotte, NC.

He was a true gentleman servant who through a warm smile, kind words, and a helping hand made the world a better place. Talmage was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. T.T. Spence and Cora Wescott Spence and sister, Virginia S. Westlake.

He was a graduate of Duke University, along with his parents and sister. Tal served in WW II with the Naval Air Corp where he was a Naval Aviator after earning his wings, training and flying several types of fixed wing aircraft.   As a reserve, he was called upon to serve in the Korean War as Captain in the Marine Air Corp - VMO-6 unit as a helicopter medevac pilot, where he flew a number of front line missions to evacuate fellow soldiers to more secure medical locations. 

Talmage was an active member and deacon at Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church for over 50 years, including the last decade as one of the teachers in the special needs department.

 Talmage is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Peggy Morgan, and their children and grandchildren: Alan Morgan Spence and wife, Lynn, Alan, Jr. and Brandon and wife, Sarah; Dr. Stanley Wescott Spence and wife, Jean, Chadwick and Morgan; T. Tolly Spence III and wife, Julie, Talmage “Tad” IV, Lily and Claire. 

Tal grew up in Raleigh at 525 North Blount Street next door to Senator Josiah Bailey. He was a member of Edenton Street Methodist Church and a 1943 graduate from Hugh Morrison High School.

Funeral service for Mr. Spence will be 11AM, Friday, November 11, 2016, at Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the service. The Reverend Bobby Morrow and Dr. Stanley Spence will be officiating the service. Interment will follow in Rutherfordton, NC at 3PM. 

Talmage would never hesitate to thank his family, friends and caregivers for a wonderful life. On behalf of Tal and the entire Spence family, we would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and other caregivers at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, his home health staff, neighbors, and PMBC members for their compassionate care. Memorials may be made to Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church, 1117 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Services, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte NC 28204. (704) 641-7606. Online condolences at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

 

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Comments

  • Sandra Slade

    I was recently informed of Tal passing by a colleague and regret my condolences to his family are late. I met Tal when we both worked for an insurance company in the mid-seventies. He always amazed me because he seemed happy everyday and was never in a bad mood. I found him to be friendly and kind. For these reasons alone I know his family will feel a huge void and I hope the memories you have of him will become a great solace.

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  • Page Woodall

    Tolly,
    My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family right now. I am sorry for your loss.

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  • Scott Alexander

    I am sorry to hear that my "second dad" growing up has passed on to the hands of the Lord. I will being praying for you all in the coming days! Scott

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  • Daniel and Sarah Chang

    We are so deeply saddened to hear of Talmage's passing. He was such a kind man, and we loved getting to see him at Pritchard. We send our condolences to the Spence family. Also thank you for sharing so many wonderful details about Talmage's incredible life. We loved reading about all of his accomplishments. What a legacy!

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  • Will & Cindy Burch

    To Peggy and all the Spence family, Words simply can not express the heartfelt sadness in knowing this side of heaven we will not see his wonderful smile and caring ways again.
    He brought so much joy into our lives these last couple years that Cindy and I joined Pritchard. I remember being in the "Energy Bus" class with Talmage and seeing him laugh and participate as if he were a teenager. I loved that about him.
    To you Alan and Stanley and Tolly, the time enjoyed with your Dad was priceless to us. He was truly a great American, a great disciple of Christ, and a great friend.
    Peggy, Please know we love you and are praying for you.

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  • Jennifer Gooch Krna

    I am so sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you. I know how hard it is when you lose your dad. I have such wonderful memories of your family growing up on WebsterPlace and of the times Steve and I would return after we married. Mr. and Mrs. Spence were always so excited to meet each of our children. May the Lord provide you peace at this time. Love, Jennifer Gooch Krna

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  • Sharon Sands, Concord, NC

    Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time......
    Love and lots of hugs!
    Sharon Sands

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  • Bryan Parker

    Tolly, many prayers and thoughts for you and your family my friend. I am sorry for your loss. Bryan

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