Ricky Wayne Spence, 68, of Gaston, died Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at his home with his family by his side.

Ricky was born in Halifax County, the son of the late Hansel W. Spence and Dorothy Hurst Spence.

He was a longtime member of the Gaston Church of Christ. Ricky loved his church and loved helping people. He was known as the Stewmaster for the church. He retired from Reser’s Fine Foods. Ricky loved the outdoors, where he was an avid hunter, fisherman and trapper.

Ricky is survived by his wife Emily N. Spence, of Gaston, two sons Tony Wayne Spence and his wife Denise Patton Spence, of Rocky Mount, NC, Richard Eugene Spence and his wife Jennifer Scruggs Spence, of Altavista, VA, one brother Ronald Spence and his wife Wanda, two sisters, Linda Spence of Roanoke Rapids, Druscilla Porch, of Gaston, one grandchild, Amanda “Pumpkin” Spence.

The family will receive friends Thursday, January 3, 2019, from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm at Wrenn Clarke & Hagan Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 4, 2019, at 2:00 pm, in the Funeral Home Chapel, with Butch Moseley, Minister Steve Merritt and Rev. Russ Collins Officiating. Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Medical Foundation of North Carolina for the General Neurology Fund P.O. Box 309 Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Online condolence may be left at: www.wrennclarkehagan.com