Palmer Cleveland Spence, age 89 of Pulaski, peacefully passed away Saturday, November 23, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. Palmer was born January 20, 1935, in Marion, South Carolina to Samuel Alexander Cleveland and Irene Bryan Spence. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
At an early age, Palmer began a life of service, first joining the National Guard and then enlisting with the United States Air Force in 1954, beginning a 28-year avionics career which included deployment to Vietnam. He was recognized for his dedicated, innovative, decisive, and results-driven leadership. He accepted each assignment with a commitment to enhance productivity and outcomes, leaving each shop better than he found it. Palmer retired from the United States Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant on January 1, 1983. A year later he joined the Civil Service at Redstone Arsenal where he again excelled as a technician and supervisor, retiring in 1996.
Palmer did everything with his whole heart, devoted to his family and doing what was right. He obeyed the gospel over 60 years ago and was a member of the congregation at East Hill Church of Christ where he worshipped for the last 40 years. He was an early riser and loved the outdoors. He especially enjoyed being on the water, running, riding his horses, and winning a good game of Rook. He will be deeply missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Alexander Cleveland and Irene Bryan Spence; brothers, Bryan Spence, Tom Spence, and John M. Spence; sister, Mattie Barron, and brother-in-law, Larry Barron; father-in-law, Cletis David White, and mother-in-law, Alma Coggins White; sisters-in-law, Linda White Holt and Joanne Swicegood; and niece, Sally Spence-Beggs.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty June Spence; daughters, Janet Cheryl Spence (Gilmore) and Linda Spence Calman; grandchildren, Lillian Paige Calman and Samuel Alexander Calman; nieces, Jennifer, Gina, Becki, Anne, Beth, and Susie; nephew, John Bryan; and brother-in-law, Richard White (Brenda).
Visitation will begin at noon followed by a service at 1:30 p.m., Monday, December 2, 2024, at the East Hill Church of Christ, 509 East Madison Street, Pulaski, Tennessee. Interment with Military Honors will be at Gatlin Cemetery in Ardmore, Tennessee.
