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It is with deep regret and sadness that the Officers and Members of the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company announce the passing of Life Member Jerry Cameron Spence.
Jerry was an active member of the RHVFC from 1967-1992 as an engineer and ambulance driver, and served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer.
Jerry Cameron Spence passed away on July 16, 2023, at his home of more than fifty years, in Rock Hall, MD, surrounded by his family. He was 79.
Born in Woodstock, VA, on June 30, 1944, he was the son of the late Samuel Ray Spence and Peggy Jo Hite Spence Aleshire. Jerry was raised by his mother and his stepfather, Isaac “Pete” Aleshire. He graduated from Central High School in 1962 and, after serving six years in the United States Army and the Army National Guard, he was honorably discharged.
While stationed at the Nike Base, in Tolchester, MD, Jerry met and fell in love with Jean Powhida. They were married on May 7, 1965, and decided to make Rock Hall their home. For several years, Jerry enjoyed working as a truck driver for Linder's Pile Drivers and Hubbard's Seafood. Driving a truck was something he truly loved and talked about all through his life. Jerry provided a wonderful life for his family, while employed as a Chemical Operator for Tenneco Chemical Company for almost twenty-five years. Later in life, Jerry continued his love of driving, while working for the town of Rock Hall, driving the trolley. He made a lot of friends on the trolley, and he made many dogs happy, handing out treats.
Jerry was very involved in the community and was an active member of the American Legion, Sgt. Preston Ashley, Post #228 in Rock Hall, for 54 years. He was also a member of the Rock Hall Lions Club, the Chestertown Elks Lodge #2474, and was a life member of the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Department, serving his town by fighting fires and as a part of the ambulance crew. He truly loved his family, his friends, and his community.
In addition to his wife, Jean, Jerry is survived by daughter, Debbie Spence; four grandchildren, Megan Esper (Taylor), Jamie Short (Morgan), Cameron Spence, and Jordan Short; three great-grandchildren, Caleb, Levi, and Saylor Esper; two sisters, Candy Hausenfluck (Kenny) of Virginia and Peggy Sue Stickley (Larry) of Virginia; a cousin, Jackie Lambert and his special daughters, Stephanie Balderrama and Mary Lou Christian, as well as their families. Jerry is also survived by Jean's incredibly supportive family, and nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Jerry was predeceased in death by his daughter, Holly Spence Short, in 2019; his sister, Loretta Davis; and his brother, Donald Spence.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 130 Speer Road, Chestertown, MD, where relatives and friends may call two hours prior (12-2 p.m.).
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Rock Hall Vol. Fire Company, P.O. Box 577, Rock Hall, MD 21661.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Spence family during this very difficult time.
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