Ralph Bailey Spence

Ralph Bailey Spence, age 87, of Temple died Saturday, January 22, 2011 in a local hospital. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, North Fort Hood with Bro. Rick Reed and Bro. Bill Pack officiating. Mr. Spence was born October 9, 1923 at Ewing (now North Fort Hood) to John Franklin & Annie Cummings Spence. He attended Ewing schools. He married Janett Poe on September 20, 1949 in Moody. He owned and operated the Peddling Wagon, a family grocery in Ewing, which later moved to Gatesville. He was a Regional Sales Director for Pepsi Cola Bottling Co., where he sold the first franchised bottle of Pepsi in Bell & Coryell counties. He later was employed at 7UP Bottling Company and Superior Dairies of Temple. Upon retiring he worked for Temple ISD as a school crossing guard. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Ann Spence and a brother, Pete Spence. Mr. Spence lived life to the fullest. He could brighten up any room with his sense of humor and telling stories. He was a great teacher and leader. He loved his family and his Lord. He leaves to treasure his memory, his wife of 61 years, Janett Spence, son, James Spence, two daughters, Drenda Capps and husband, Willie and Sherry Spence; three granddaughters, Haley and Katey Capps and Karlyn Spence whom were his greatest love. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, TX 75219 or Texas Elks Children's Services, 1963 FM1586, Gonzales, TX 78629 or the charity of your choice.