Obituary - The Rev. Dr. Raymond L. Spence Jr.

SPENCE, The Rev. Dr. Raymond L., Jr., 86, of Richmond, Va., passed away peacefully at home on January 3, 2023, surrounded by family. He was Pastor Emeritus of Second Baptist Church. Believing to the end that God's guidance never faltered, Ray slipped into the arms of his heavenly Father. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mamie Heard Spence and Raymond Lee Spence; and his sister, Lallage Dilworth. He is survived by his loving wife and devoted partner of 64 years, Ann Williamson Spence; his sons, Lee (Suzanne Marie) and Walter (Suzanne Briana); three grandchildren, Briana, Walter "Bucky" and Charlotte; his brother, Hartie Spence; and a host of relatives and dear friends.

Born in West Monroe, Louisiana, Ray enjoyed a childhood he described as charmed, one that was punctuated by rugged outdoor pursuits in the woodlands of northern Louisiana – hunting, fishing and camping. Throughout his life, Ray continued this love of the outdoors and shared it with his family at his Chesapeake Bay cottage and on his fishing boat, the Mary Lou.

It was after his junior year of high school that Ray experienced a real stirring to pursue a profession related to religion. He became convinced that God was directing his path – a belief that never diminished. His college years at Louisiana State University began laying the foundation for the education he needed to follow this calling.

During his college years at LSU, Ray pursued his love of football, and for the rest of his life, his loyalty as an LSU fan never waivered. Though he was drafted to play professional football, Ray turned down the offer to follow his calling, and importantly to marry his classmate, Ann.

After graduation, Ray and Ann moved to Louisville, Ky., where Ray attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. From there, he accepted his first assignment, a fourteen-month stint as pastor of Bruington Baptist Church in King and Queen County, Va. In 1962, he accepted the call to Second Baptist Church, located at that time on Franklin Street in downtown Richmond.

It would be Second Baptist that defined Ray's career. Hand in hand with Ann, he struggled to revive the venerable but declining downtown church, and when it proved impossible to reinvigorate Second Baptist, he was instrumental in moving the church to its present location at Gaskins and River Roads. In this vibrant location, Ray led Second Baptist to its present position as one of Richmond's strongest and most influential congregations.

His dedication to his community was exemplified by the many boards on which he served, the following are but a few - Foreign Mission Board, Collegiate School, Board of Trustees University of Richmond, President of Forum Club, Fin Fish Sub-Committee of Va. Marine Resource Commission, Chairman of Richmond Eye & Ear Health Associates – now MEDARVA and Board Chairman of Carmel School in Ruther Glen, Va.

A special thanks to caregivers, Lyuba, Esther, Della, Jenell, Annie and Franklin.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, January 7, at Second Baptist Church. Burial in Hollywood Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider Second Baptist Church, 9614 River Road, Richmond, Va. 23229.