Charlie W. Spence

Charles Winston “Charlie” Spence, Jr. was born on June 17, 1966, to Rita Kelly and Charles Winston Spence, Sr. He was born in Frankfurt, Germany while his father was stationed there in the Army. He married the love of his life, Connie Elizabeth Ainsworth, on August 27, 1988. They lived in Concord, Texas, where they raised their three children, Ceanne Elizabeth Spence Waldrop, Charles Jameson “Jimbo” Spence, and Charlcee Maria Spence.

Charlie attended school in Germany and Grapeland, Texas. He obtained his GED and also attended Trinity Valley Junior College. After high school and college, he began a career with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He retired from TDCJ after working there for twenty-two years. He then began a brief stint of approximately seven years working in the oil field and for Zoch Construction. After this, he began a second career with Leon ISD working in the Maintenance Department. He worked for Leon ISD for eleven years and was still currently employed at the time of his passing.

Charlie and Connie married in August 1988. They resided in Concord, Texas and welcomed their first child, Ceanne in 1989. In 1992, they welcomed their second child and firstborn son, Jimbo Spence. In 2000, they welcomed their second daughter, Charlcee Spence. Through the years Charlie, Connie, and their family vacationed to Lake Fairfield, Lake Limestone, Colorado, Wyoming, and numerous other states. They enjoyed seeing new places and spending time outdoors with loved ones including camping, fishing, cooking, and exploring. Charlie and Connie also enjoyed having their niece Jessica, and nephews, Corby and Clayton join them throughout the years on various vacations and adventures. In 2016, Charlie and Connie moved out to Lake Limestone as it was always Charlie’s dream to live out at the lake. Charlie enjoyed spending time fishing and going out on the boat with his son, Jimbo Spence, and other loved ones. Not only did he enjoy fishing locally, but he also took multiple trips to Port O’Connor with family, friends, and his wife Connie. In addition to that Charlie was an avid duck hunter usually accompanied by his family and close friends. He travelled on occasion for these duck hunts and also enjoyed going to Amarillo on goose hunts.

Charlie had a love for all children but especially children with special needs. Charlie was a member of Double C Outdoors who sponsored numerous children including Cast for Kids, an organization that would provide special needs children with the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and learn to fish. He always made sure that their fundraising events were successful in order to provide each child with a fishing pole and tackle box. He organized one event for Leon ISD and provided every special needs child with a fishing pole. Charlie also sponsored two high school fishing teams. He supported one team at Leon ISD and one team from Oglesby ISD. His smile was never brighter than when they posted the pictures of their catch and rooted for them to bring home the big ones and a trophy. He thoroughly enjoyed doing for others and it warmed his heart to see all of the smiles on their faces.

Charlie took great joy in spending time with his three grandchildren, Harper, Hadley, and Peyton. He enjoyed going to Harper’s Little Dribblers basketball games, attending the last game on Saturday, January 30, 2021. He couldn’t believe how much improvement Harper had made since playing last year. Charlie loved taking the kids fishing, and teaching them all about the sport. He most loved though, just spending time with them in the floor playing. He always enjoyed them spending the night and cooking them their breakfast of choice the following morning. Charlie’s proudest moments were when he could brag on his grandchildren, and the love and pride he had for them was shown every time he gave updates or told stories about them to others. He was one of a kind PowPow.

Charlie Spence passed away on February 1, 2021 at Lake Limestone. He is survived by his wife, Connie Spence of thirty-two years; three children, Ceanne Waldrop and husband, Ben, Jimbo Spence and wife, Courtney and Charlcee Spence and fiancé, Alex Dawson and grandchildren, Harper Spence, Hadley Spence, Peyton Waldrop, and baby Dawson on the way. He is also survived by his mother, Rita Wendlyn (Ron); father-in-law, James Ainsworth; sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Rick Turner; sister and brother-in-law, Tina and Dale Abbott; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jamie and Mike Watson as well as, nieces and nephews, Jessica Turner (Kevin), Corby Watson (Lindsey), Clayton Watson (Melissa), Cooper and Cason Turner, Christopher Torres, Clara Watson, Lane Ardoin and Hailey Ardoin, Lane and Braxton Watson and a host of other family and close friends. Charlie was preceded in death by his father, Charles Winston Spence Sr., mother-in-law Mary Elizabeth Ainsworth, and grandson, Slayton James Spence.

Charlie’s love for his family and children was evident in the way that he lived his life. He enjoyed his job and being around children. He grew close to many who worked at Leon ISD and considered them like family. His Leon Cougar family spoke highly of him and said he always had kind words and a smile for each of them. He will be missed by his family, friends, and those who loved him.

Graveside services for Charlie will be held 2 P.M., Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Concord Cemetery, Concord, Texas. Rev. Raymond Bell will officiate the service.

Pallbearers: Corby Watson, Clayton Watson, T.J. Foley, Kevin Turner, Charles Cline, Lance LeGalley, Alex Dawson, Ben Waldrop, Corey Alston, Lane Ardoin

Honorary Pallbearers: Lane Watson, Braxton Watson, Cooper Turner, Cason Turner, Peyton Waldrop, Cory Hogan, Christopher Torres

Arrangements are in the care of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.