David Michael Spence

David Michael Spence of Texarkana, Arkansas passed away peacefully on February 21, 2024 at the age of 61, surrounded by family in Little Rock. His strong faith, heroic courage, fierce determination, and fun-loving sense of humor never wavered during his lengthy illness.

Christmas came early the year David was born in Little Rock on December 24, 1962 to James Richard and Doris Jean Spence. David’s love of the outdoors and fishing was cultivated from a young age thanks to the many camping trips he took with his parents, siblings, and cousins. A graduate of McClellan High School in Little Rock, he became an OSHA-certified Safety Manager and worked many years before retiring from Service Paint Inc./The Brock Group in Texarkana.

David loved God, his country, his family and friends, the Arkansas Razorbacks, and his 2017 red convertible Corvette and 1970 Ford van – not necessarily in that order. He was a beloved and well-respected member of the NCCC (No Club Car Club) and the Arklahomatex Corvette Club and showed his prized automobiles in several regional car shows. David was also a member of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence with his lineage tracing back to Founding Father John Hart.

A lifelong Methodist, David truly lived his faith by proudly sharing it with others and “walking the walk” through his actions. He was our sunshine, a bright light spreading joy to others and rarely thinking of himself. His big heart was only matched by his big smile – but that often meant he was plotting a good-natured prank!

David was preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory are his son, Aaron Spence (Kim) of Minden, LA and their children Taylor, Slade, and Lilli Spence; siblings: Randy Spence (Anita) of Little Rock, Steve Spence (Melissa) of Allen, TX, and Laura Spence Leech (James) of Little Rock; and nieces and nephews: Celeste Flanagin (Jimmy), Diana Allen (Matthew), Eliot Adams (Brooke), Mattie Leech, and McLean Leech.

A celebration of David’s life will take place Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock 72117. The visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the memorial service at noon and the burial at 1:00 p.m.

In honor of David’s love for his emotional support dog Dixie, donations may be made to Central Arkansas Pet Partners at 425 W. Capitol Avenue, Suite 1800, Little Rock 72201 or www.centralarkansaspetpartners.org. This non-profit organization provides animal-assisted therapy and educational services to area hospitals, schools, and special events.

David is deeply loved and deeply missed by all the lives he touched, especially his family and friends. But we are encouraged by 2 Corinthians 4:16: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” We are thankful that our earthly bodies are just temporary and that God is preparing us – as He did David – for our eternal home. What a sweet reunion that will be.