Chester Spence

Chester Spence, 84, of Ferrum passed away on May 10, 2025 at Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital. Chester was born on January 10, 1941 in Wayne County, WV to Charles and Armilda (Watts) Spence. He was married to Patricia Williamson on June 3, 1966 and worked as a machinist for J.& H. Fletcher Co. until his retirement. He relocated to Ferrum in 2002. Chester had a passion for playing guitar and singing bluegrass and gospel music, and he was an expert at mechanic work and engine repair. He is survived by a daughter, Melissa Barthelmas-Shelley of Cookville, TN; two sons, Dean Spence (Joy Shelton) of Dearborn Heights, MI, and Kenneth Spence (Catherine Johnson) of Ferrum; one sister, Vada Cordell of Athens, AL; a special niece, Pat Smith (David) of Shelby, NC; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Chester was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; his parents; four brothers, Charles, Guy, Freddie, and Buddy; and by three sisters, Mary, Thelma, and Milda. The family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Flora Funeral Service followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to Christian Heritage Academy or to the Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital Guest and Volunteer Services.