Joe Lee Spence

The airwaves went silent as Heavens gates opened. Joe Lee Spence, 63, of Cleveland, formerly of Logan, WV, passed peacefully on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 into his mother’s arms at home with his family by his side.

Mr. Spence joined the military at an early age and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force in Korea and North Dakota. He was a WV coal miner for more than 10 years before relocating to Tennessee.  He was an employee of Charleston Hosiery until his retirement.  Joe was also an avid Ham Radio operator and spent many hours perfecting his hobby.  He was proud to converse with people in the US and abroad.

Born on December 22, 1952 at 700 Hill Omar, WV, he was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Betty) Spence.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Tommy and Jarvie Spence and one sister:  Lois Abraham.  Special brothers-in-law:  Fred Wessolek and Bobby Kissane.

He is gone from our sight but never from our hearts. His faith was unwavering and he leaves a legacy of love, laughter and forgiveness.  He will be dearly missed by his family and friends, who knew him and loved him.  In Joe’s words, “love you bye” and “more and more”.

Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Renee; son, Johnathan Spence and daughter, Kara (William) Vernatter; two grandchildren: Tyler and Kalee Vernatter; additional survivors include his twin sister, Judy Wessolek; sisters:  Nora Jean White, Mary (Pat) Varney, Sally (Billy) Smith; brothers:  Jeff (Sallie Ann) Spence, Meredith Spence; sisters-in-law:  Peggy Kissane and Linda Spence; special nephew, Tom (Elaine) Spence; special niece, Crystal Spence; as well as a host of many other nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 16, 2016 in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Reverend Dudley Nichols officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.  Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be members of Cleveland Amateur Radio Club.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 p.m.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Spence family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.