Ray Eugene Spence

Ray Eugene Spence, 84, of Washington, passed away Sunday, July 24, 2011, at The Donnell House. He was born July 4, 1927, in Washington, the son of the late Clark and Nelle Ewing Spence. Mr. Spence was a 1945 graduate of Trinity High School and enjoyed a very close relationship with his former class mates. He enlisted in the Navy on June 29, 1945, and entered active duty on October 4, 1945. He served until his honorable discharge on July 24, 1946, with a rank of Seaman, First Class. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and American Theater Ribbon. Mr. Spence worked as a Mould Maker for 46 years, having retired from Penn Mould. He was a life long member of West Washington United Methodist Church, a 65-year member of Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion and was active with The American Flint Glass Workers Union, of which he was a former Secretary/Treasurer and President. Mr. Spence greeted everyone he knew with a smile and enjoyed hearing a good joke and telling a good story. A devoted son, husband, father and pap-pap, he loved spending time with his family. He leaves this world a better place, having taught true love. Mr. Spence enjoyed hunting, bowling and golfing, and belonged to several leagues around Washington. He married his wife of 61 years, Evelyn Speck, on July 20, 1950. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are three children, Ray Spence, Jr., (Diana) of Washington, Lynne Hellmann (Mike) of Lancaster, and Clark Spence of Phoenix, Arizona; two brothers, Alvin Spence of Washington and Joseph Spence of Greensburg; granddaughters Shelby and Melissa Spence and grandsons Patrick, Matthew and Zachary Hellmann Deceased are a grandson, Andrew Hellmann and a brother, James Spence. Friends will be received Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 27th. Entombment will be in Washington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Donnell House, Hospice Care of The Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.