Funeral services for Billy Royce Spence, 74, of Winnsboro, will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Temple Baptist Church, with Rev. Brian Rogers and Rev. James Lee Busby officiating, with interment following in Crowville Masonic Cemetery; visitation will be from 1:30 p.m., Sunday, until the time of the service.Billy was born July 9, 1949, in Winnsboro, to the union of the late John Marion Spence and the late Nannie Elizabeth Cox Spence, he passed to his heavenly reward at his residence June 5, 2024.Billy is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Terri; brothers: John Derriel Spence, E. L. Spence, C. L, Spence, Truett Spence, Garland Spence, and Sidney Spence; and sister Cammie Jean Spence Lee.Billy is survived by son Mark Spence (Summer); daughter Paige Spence Yell (Chris); Grandchildren: Katie Elizabeth, Spence Michael, Hailey Grace, Colton Randall, Olivia Claire, Lauren Margaret, Kyle Gene, and Sydney Ann Marie; great-grandchildren Christopher Levi and Stetson Garrett; brother Marion Spence (Susan); sisters: Carrie Ruth Thorton, Sandra Mulkey (Bill), Betty Willis (Buddy), Pauline Smith (Paul), Ann Tibbett, and Roxie Blanco (Carlos); a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.Pallbearers are Tony Blanco, Trey Hutson, Adam Lee, Chris Lee, Cheney Spence, and Roger Spence.Honorary pallbearers are Colton Spence, Spence Michael, Kyle Yell, and Morgan Dykstra.Dad was an accomplished welder and welder inspector, taking his work very seriously whether it was pipeline work or raising cattle. He was always active; he wasn't one to sit around and do nothing. His family, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, children, and grandchildren were his top priority, only second to his faith and service in his savior, Jesus Christ. When someone made statements that didn't align with the scripture, he was quick to quote scripture for the truth to be revealed. As one of his nephews who admired him most stated, 'He was always available to take your call and offer advice or lend a listening ear. If he wasn't available, he'd call you right back. He always had time for me and helped me through any situation that was at hand always in a loving way with a Christian perspective. He would often sit and let me ramble until with his help and guidance from the Lord, these issues had a way of working themselves out with the loving nudge he was so able to pull off.'His daughter says, 'He was the greatest man I ever knew. My dad's first love was Jesus and then my mom. He loved my mom; his heart, with everything in him. I know he was rejoicing when he saw his Lord and Savior, his wife, his mom, dad, and all his siblings. He was one of the hardest working men I knew. I can rejoice and have peace knowing my daddy is in Heaven praising Jesus and enjoying my mom.'One of his grandson's described him as follows: 'Papa was one of the most loving, hardworking people I knew. He had advice for everyone even when you didn't have time to listen, he made you sit down and listen to him talk. He was always telling us how to do things more efficiently, teaching us 'indian tricks' and other techniques he learned over the years. He would always make people laugh and giggle and always had something up his sleeve. He was a prayer warrior and loved his many siblings very much. To wrap things up, he had been wanting to go see his sweet wife for a long time. I'm glad he is finally able to be with her in heaven.'Another grandson said, 'Papa was always there for us no matter what. He loved to wrestle with us and teach us all kind of tricks. He loved to sing the hymns of faith with us and always had 88.7 playing in his truck. He would help me with my homework after school and made sure I knew my math facts. Our favorite song to sing was 'Yes I know.' He never failed to cook us our favorite meal which was grits, eggs and toast and it was the last meal he cooked us before he passed away.'Another granddaughter stated: 'Papa cherished his family so much. He was always at the Spence family reunions. You could always find him sitting in his recliner drinking a cup of black coffee in the morning watching the news. He has always been there for each and every one of us grandchildren. We could always look forward to cooking food with him. He was always so level-headed and kindhearted to everyone. He has played such a big role in our lives. His faith in Jesus was so strong and he passed that on to the whole family. He will be greatly missed and I'm glad I had the honor of being one of his grandchildren.'Another granddaughter stated that her favorite saying from him was 'possum fat.' He always made up cute/fun little sayings and made all of us laugh and giggle. He loved drinking coffee in his favorite coffee cups. He was sure to make as many of my games and dance recitals as he could. He was the best Papa ever. He always talked and sang to us about Jesus.Dad, Papa, brother, family, friend, you will be so deeply missed, no words or expressions would ever do justice to write, but I hope you somehow feel our sincerest gratitude for sharing your amazing life with us. Thanking you for guiding us through life with Jesus' words. All who knew you cherished your presence, were touched by your spirit, and blessed by your love.We pray this honors the life and legacy of Billy Royce Spence.Online registry/condolences at www.dennardfirstnational.com
Visitation

Temple Baptist Church

Temple Baptist Church