Charles Spence Jr.

Charles "Chuck" Melvin Spence, Jr., was born in Mobile, Alabama on December 2, 1953, to Charles Melvin (Pete) Spence, Sr. and Betty Marie Smith Spence. He passed away on January 20, 2026, after a brief illness. He is survived by his aunts: Roxie Bunch, Janice Cochran (Frank), and Jeanette Bauchman (Mike); his uncles: Raymond Smith and Donald Ray Smith (Marilyn); cousins and his friends, the John Lassiter family.

Chuck was a precious baby and the light of his parents' eyes. He was very attractive physically and always a pleasure to be around in his childhood. He was in church every time the doors were open and loved the Lord deeply. In his teens, he was known to spend long periods praying and seeking God. After graduating from high school and attending Auburn University for a brief period, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and began to suffer the effects of that disease.

His adult years were a challenge for him and for those who loved him. However, the love of his parents and the love of Jesus were steadfast. He lived at home with those he trusted and cared about -- his parents and his feisty dog, Harley. His entertainment and greatest joy was going to Dollar General or Walmart to pick up food - mostly junk food - and little oddities that others might not understand. He craved junk food. His mother would cook wonderful meals, and he would dutifully eat them. Then about 30 minutes later he would jump in his truck and head to McDonalds or some other fast-food establishment.

Though Chuck struggled with his mental illness he was still very capable of picking up on the "tenor" of the room. If he was uncomfortable, he was quick to retreat to his bedroom which had become his sanctuary.

He had beautiful blue eyes and said he liked to wear blue shirts to emphasize them. He had a quirky smile that could cause you to momentarily forget about his struggles.

Many people from his mother's church, Forest Hill Church of God, and his family reached out to Chuck over the years wanting to embrace and support him. That was generally difficult for him to accept. However, after his mother passed away in 2017, John Lassiter stepped into a legal role in Chuck's life. That role became a loving friendship between John & his family and Chuck. The Lassiter's were able to facilitate many large and small acts that provided the best life possible for Chuck over the last 8 years. For that, Chuck's family will be forever grateful. Now, Chuck is no longer suffering physically or mentally. His earthly struggle has ended.

In lieu flowers, the family requests you make a donation in Chuck's memory to your church or charity of your choice.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 6100 Three Notch Rd., Mobile, Alabama.