WAYCROSS — Mr. Wendell Spence, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at his residence in Waycross, surrounded by his family and enveloped in love.
Spence was born on January 22, 1944, during World War II, a time when few doctors served the small rural communities near Walnut Hill, Fla. He often said he was a Florida native, though the Alabama/ Florida line felt a little blurry. His parents, Hadley and Lorette Mullins Spence, raised him — along with his older sister, Emily, and younger brother, Terrell — in a close-knit farming community. He fondly recalled working in the pot ato sheds, growing vegetables, and riding his bike with friends to the local watering hole, always accompanied by his faithful dog, Buster. It was a life he cherished, and though his career later took him many miles away, he never lived anywhere without keeping a small garden in the backyard.
Spence often credited the teachers at his small elementary school for shaping his early successes in life. His maternal grandparents, the Rev. Ralph Z. and Maude Mullins, were also were deeply influential. He appreciated the strong Christian foundation they instilled in him, especially through his grandfather, a Baptist minister who traveled to many small churches throughout the surrounding communities. Wendell loved sharing stories of his cousins, aunts, and uncles gathered around the table in Greenville, Ala.
His lifelong passion for football began at Ernest Ward High School in Walnut Hill. Though he excelled in several sports, football was his first love. After high school, he was recruited to play football for Mississippi State University. His college football career was cut short by injury, but his loyalty to his alma mater and the MSU football team never wavered.
Following his graduation from MSU, Spence began a career in the trucking industry that spanned more than 50 years. He retired from Averitt Motor Lines in 2018 at the age of 74. He never tired of discussing freight logistics and made many lasting friendships throughout his career.
Spence and his daughter, Stephanie, were living in Waycross when he met and later married Jean Marie Raulerson on April 27, 1975. Together they welcomed two more children, Ashlee and Christopher “Ryan.” After living in Macon, the family relocated to South Florida, until the couple returned to Waycross in 2021.
Spence adored spending time with his 10 grandchildren, Max, Chandler, Carter, Grace, Jackson, Tess, Finley, Atticus, Emmi, and Lochlan. Whether he was on the sidelines watching his grandsons play football, or fishing off the dock in Hobe Sound, his life always revolved around his family. As the grandchildren grew and he aged, their time together became filled with storytelling and cooking lessons, but the heart of every moment remained the same — being together.
A gifted cook, Spence loved preparing meals for family and friends, and everyone reaped the benefit of his skills. He especially looked forward to the Raulerson reunions at Laura Walker Lake, where his legendary tea cakes always were in high demand.
Spence’s greatest legacy is the example he set for all who knew him. He lived with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering spirit of acceptance. His humor brought warmth, his conversation offered insight, and his presence brought comfort. He will be deeply missed.
Spence is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Jean; his children and grandchildren; and his sisters-in-law, Carole Farrar (Dale Popham) and Catherine Carter (late Terrell Spence). He also is survived by his brothersin- law, Wade Raulerson (Ann), Harmon Raulerson (Tammy), and Jimmy Raulerson (Suzanne), along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Special thanks are extended to Hospice Satilla of Waycross, with heartfelt gratitude to Nikki, Josh, and Steve for their loving care of Spence and the family. The family respectfully requests those wishing to make memorial contributions do so in his honor to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, 31501.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 5 at the Music Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held following the service.
Music Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Spence
