Spence M. Correll

Born Sept. 16, 1918, in Woodleaf, NC, he was the son of the late Franklin Edgar and Josie Gillean Correll and was also preceded in death by eight sisters and brothers. He was the youngest and the only one living into his nineties. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Alene Whishenhunt Correll, of eleven years.

Spence graduated from North Carolina State University in 1940 and worked as a dairyman at Mountain Experiment Station in Swannanoa, NC. He took time off from farming to proudly serve our country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He loved to tell stories from his experience hitch hiking from Seattle, WA, to NC after the war ended, which got him home in just five days. He and Alene moved to VA in1947. After Alene’s death, he married Ann and was blessed with three children while managing Homewood Farms in Elon for more than twenty years until the farm was sold. He continued his passion for farming with his own dairy cows, orchard, and garden. He loved selling apples, tomatoes, and blueberries at a road side stand in Elon. In 1973 he started his career with the U.S. Post Office as a rural mail carrier in Madison Heights until he retired in 1988 at the age of 70.

Spence was a lifelong fan of NCSU sports, especially football and basketball. He took his family on many trips to the bowl games when NCSU played, and his favorite memory was Jim Valvano’s basketball team winning the NCAA championship.

Spence was a member, Sunday School Teacher, and Elder Emeritus of Elon Presbyterian Church. He voluntarily mowed the cemetery for many years, and was very proud to be the oldest regularly attending member. He was a member of the Elon American Legion Post #100 and Elon Ruritan Club, and was caretaker for the community pool for many years.

In addition to his wife, he is also survived by two daughters, Mary Correll Turner, and husband, Greg Turner, of Midlothian, Beth Correll Francis, and husband, Tony Francis, of Forest, one son, Bruce Younger Correll, and girlfriend, Nikki Rainey of Richmond, three grandchildren, Elizabeth Naomi Francis and Spence Anthony Francis of Forest, and Jonathan Correll Turner of Midlothian, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins in NC.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Thursday, May 17, 2012 at Elon Presbyterian Church and other times at the residence.

A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 18, 2012 at Elon Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Barry Tucker officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Elon Presbyterian Church, 250 Camden Drive, Madison Heights, VA 24572.

Whitten Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Monelison Chapel is serving the family.