Gerald Powell Spence, Sr.

Gerald Powell Spence, Sr., 89, of Martinez, GA passed away on May 8, 2023 with his family by his side.

He was born on his family farm in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Herbert Embree and Velma Powell Spence on November 1, 1933. After completing high school, he spent seven years as a commissioned officer in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. He met Elfriede “Elfie” Kaehler through a mutual friend in 1968 and married on November 7, 1969.

Gerald was a hardworking and independent man. He owned his own building materials company, Spence Building Supply, Inc. and along with that came many travel perks. As an avid traveler, Gerald spent time in Germany, France, Africa, England and enjoyed time spent traveling with Elfie in their RV. He was also a member of Escapees RV Club in Livingston, Texas. He was the first President of the Friends and Culture of German Language club.

Gerald is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years; his children, Gerald (Barbara) Spence, Jr., Glen (Brenda) Spence, Brenda (Carlos) Alvarez, Mike Spence, and step-son, Edward Grimm; grandchildren, Shane (Kimberly) Nikolic, Justin (Mayra) Nikolic, Jon (Patricia) Spence, Brianna Spence, Christopher (Meghan) Spence, Ian Grimm, Joshua Grimm, Ethan Sharpe, Kayla Sharpe, Kera Wheeler, Brian Wheeler, and great-grandchildren, Peyton, Annaliese and Ephraim Nikolic, Lucas and Apollo Nikolic, Paisley Spence, Kiley, Lochlan, Elowyn, Bowen, and Ciesher Spence, Easten, Alister, Daviney and Ethan Weaver.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Herbert E. (Sonny) Spence, Jr., Curtis Spence.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association or a charity of your choosing in Gerald’s honor.

Visitation will be held at Platt’s Funeral Home on Friday, May 12, 2023 from 6-9pm. Please visit www.plattsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guestbook.