William Spence

Mr. William Gaston Spence, Sr., age 91, of Pass Christian, MS, passed away peacefully at his home in Long Beach on Thursday, July 29, 2010.
Bill was born on September 3, 1918, in Pass Christian, MS, in his family home on the beach. He was the third of seven children and was preceded by one sister and one brother later to be followed by three more sisters and another brother.
Bill attended elementary school at Hattiesburg Sacred Heart, junior high and high school at Ellisville, MS., graduated in 1936.
After high school he attended Jones County Junior College from 1937-1938 then transferred to LSU to run track. He was injured while running track and went to work for the Army Corp of Engineers on the Great Lakes. 1940-1941 he attended Mississippi College in Clinton, MS, where he majored in Chemistry. He played football and ran track. In 1942 he volunteered for military service in the Navy. He was commissioned as a Naval aviator and later in his military service, continued as a Naval Air Traffic Controller. On Christmas Eve in 1945, he returned to his home in Jackson, MS, after being honorably discharged from the Navy. In 1946, Bill enrolled in medical school at LSU but was unable to complete his studies at LSU. He later transferred to Milsaps College to continue his education. While at Milsaps College he was employed with Filtrol Corporation as an Analyst of Chemistry. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1947 then worked as an analyst of water pollution for the State of Mississippi Game and Fish commission.
In 1964, his career changed directions and he began his work in the oil and gas industry. He moved to Natchez, MS and assumed a leadership position with Moran Tank Company for ten years. He continued to make his home in Natchez working for Cliff Mock Company in Natchez and transferred to Ellisville, MS in Jones County in January 1974.
He retired in 1990 and moved back to his beloved Pass Christian in 1994 and resided on Johnson Bayou until August 2005. During his retirement, he enjoyed family and friends visiting, fishing, crabbing, wild life watching from his front porch overlooking the marsh lands and bayou.
He was an excellent cook and entertained hundreds of family and friends for fellowship and first class meals, especially during the holiday seasons. Who could ever forget his seafood gumbo, smoked chicken, fruit salad or shrimp dip he shared with his family and friends over the many years.
Bill was known to all as a dedicated family man. He could always be counted on by anyone who knew him as a man of integrity, honesty and as a provider.
Bill loved his Catholic faith that his mother gave him as a gift out of her love for him as a young man. He cherished this great gift of faith and shared this gift of faith with any and all who would accept his gift.
His faith was his top priority followed secondly by his devotion to his family.
Bill served in various ministries in several Catholic Parishes and is an aÌ‚â‚Å“honorary for life"""" member in the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree.
He was known as Dad, Pop, PaPaw, Mr. Bill and to most of us Weedy Spence or Uncle Weedy.
Bill is preceded in death by his father, Harry Budding Spence, Sr. and his mother, Marguerite Simpson Spence, brother, Harry Budding Spence, Jr., sisters, Mary Agnes Spence and Annette Julie Spence and a son, James M. aÌ‚â‚Å“Jimâ₝ Spence.
He is survived by his brother Dr. Charles Sonny (Garnett) Spence and sisters, Marguerite (Tookie ) Moran and Janie (Bud) Lang Sons, William G. aÌ‚â‚Å“Billâ₝ (Catherine) Spence Jr. of Pass Christian, MS, Richard (Cheryl) Spence, Brookhaven, MS, Charles Spence, Prairieville, LA, Joseph (Melinda) Spence, Long Beach, MS.
Daughters, Judy (Buddy) Beard, Baton Rouge, LA., Jan Spence, Mobile, AL and DJ Drury, Peridio Key, FL.
His grandchildren: Lance Spence, Ryan Spence, Adam Spence, Katie Spence Pugh, Craig Spence, Patrick Spence, Maggie Spence, Kimberly Jones, Kelly Chandler, Joshua Norris, Thomas Norris, Eric Spence, Amanda Spence, Christopher Niehaus, Bradley Niehaus, Halyley Niehaus and David M. Spence.
He also leaves to cherish 18 great grandchildren and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is also survived by his pet, Choco-who shared his birthday with him and would stay beside him when he said his daily rosary.
His other pet-Nyla (deceased) who slept with him during the day before she passed in 2009.
The family would like to thank Dr. Richard Tilley, Dr. Fred Pakron, Dr. Don Benefield, Dr. Craig Dawkins, Dr. Robert Wessler, Dr. Mullens, Dr. Robert Ross and staff for their years of caring and friendship as well as Camellia Hospice and staff with special appreciation to his nurse, Debby Dubuission. The excellent medical care you all provided kept him alive and in our lives for all these wonderful years.
The family request that memorials be made to the Youth Program, C/O Craig Spence, Youth Minister, at Holy Family Parish, 22342 Evangeline Drive, Pass Christian, MS 39571.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, with a Rosary held at 7:30 pm, on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Rd, Long Beach.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 6, 2010 at 12:30 pm at Holy Family Parish, with a visitation for family and friends starting one hour prior.
Interment with Military Honors will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.