Rev. Charles "Sherwood" Spence
Rev. Charles “Sherwood” Spence, 89, of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Hezekiah and Margaret Spence; grandson, Caleb Spence; brother-in-law, Cadell Blackburn; and sister-in-law, Ruby Spence.
His surviving family includes his wife, the love of his life, Euna Viers Spence; sons, Randy Spence (Donette) and Tim Spence (Cherie); granddaughters, Kristen Merick (Max) and Brittany Spence; grandson, Zach Spence; great-grandkids, Baxter and Eliza Merick; brother, Carlton Spence; sister-in-law, Patricia Blackburn; and several nieces and nephews.
Sherwood was born on January 6, 1933. He proudly served in the United States Army in the Korean War. Sherwood served as Pastor of several churches in Virginia for many years. He and Euna were proud owners of Spence’s Christian Bookstore and Spence’s Wedding Chapel. He officiated thousands of weddings as his passion was to bring Jesus into their marriage. He inherited his father’s talent for writing and created “A Menu For Your Marriage” and distributed it to thousands. Sherwood and Euna also co-authored a book by the same title for marriage enhancement.
Sherwood loved, loved, loved his family, second only to God. He loved to play with his grandchildren and would tickle them as he sang, “My Name Is Ticklish Rueben”. His great sense of humor was evident by his picking and teasing with his family. He was an animated storyteller with tales such as “Ziggy the Zebra” and made the play “Scrooge” bigger than life.
His life was dedicated to his family and sharing Jesus with anyone and everyone he crossed paths with. Join us as we celebrate his life.
Visitation is Sunday, October 2, 2022, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel located at 305 Roanoke Boulevard in Salem, Va. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, October 3, 2022, at 2 p.m., also in the chapel with Pastor Donette W. Spence officiating. The service will be followed by interment at Sherwood Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to his church: Freedom Church, PO Box 1411 in Salem, Va. 24153. You may also give online at: freedomchurchva.com. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
