Charles Ferman Spence's Obituary
Obituary
Mr. Charles Ferman Spence, 94, of Frederick, passed away at home on June 23, 2016 after a brief illness. He was the husband of Majel Spence, his wife of 73 years. Born in New Albany, Indiana, Charlie was the son of the late James and Anna Louise Spence. His lifelong love of journalism began as a teenager, when he worked as an artist for the Louisville Courier-Journal. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor and was honorably discharged in 1942. He went to work as a reporter for the Cincinnati Inquirer where he met Majel, who was also employed at the Inquirer. They were married on May 22, 1943 after a 4-month engagement. Charlie and Majel moved to California in the 1950's, where Charlie worked directly for Randolph Hurst and began to explore his passion for aviation. The Spences eventually moved to New York City, where Mr. Spence continued to work for the Hurst Corporation. His love for aviation eventually led him to accept a position in Public Relations for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He wrote three books that were published and was awarded Aviation Writer of the Year in 1998. In addition to his writing and flying, Mr. Spence continued to paint portraits and did not retire until January 2015, nearly at age 93. Surviving, in addition to his loving wife, are four children, Sherry Gutierrez, Linda Woodworth, Chuck Spence, and Craig Spence; an older brother, Thomas Spence; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and other relatives. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, June 28th at the Chapel Mausoleum of Resthaven Memorial Gardens, 9501 US. Route 15 N in Frederick, where inurnment will take place following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org). ServiceResthaven Historical Chapel9501 Catoctin Mtn HwyFrederick, MD 21701 Tuesday, June 28, 2016 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM Chapel MausoleumRsthaven Memorial Gardens9501 Catoctin Mtn HwyFrederick, MD 21701 Tuesday, June 28, 2016 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
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