Alton “Al” Edward Spence, age 74, of Sulphur, La., went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Al was born Feb. 5, 1948 in New Orleans, La.
Al was a 1966 graduate of Alcee Fortier High School and in 1971 earned his Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Southeastern Louisiana University. In 1975 he received his Associates Degree in Sciences in Respiratory Care Technology from Delgado College.
He was employed in 1971 as a buyer and department manager for Mason Blanche department store in New Orleans. In 1973, he began training as a Respiratory Care Technician at Southern Baptist Hospital and Charity Hospital in New Orleans. In 1976 he earned his license as a Respiratory Care Therapist and became the Respiratory Care Department Director at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. After completing Leadership & Bible Education studies at Word of Faith Leadership and Bible Institute in 1986, he taught Science and Business Math at Victory Worship Center Christian Academy in Sulphur. In the 1990’s he returned to the field of Respiratory Therapy at Christus St. Patrick Hospital until he retired in 2005.
Al was a founding member of Victory Worship Center and was involved in many of the ministry aspects of the church. He was a loyal friend, a trusted advisor, and a wise mentor to many of his church family members for over 40 years.
Spending time in fellowship with family and friends was most important to him and he centered many of his hobbies on that fellowship. He developed a deep love for the game of golf at the age of 12, a passion he carried the rest of his life. Al was a member of the Lake Area Radio Kontrol Society (L.A.R.K.S.). He enjoyed racing radio-controlled cars, boats, and airplanes. He cherished spending time camping with friends and family, seeing the natural wonders of God’s world, and never missed an opportunity to enjoy art galleries and museums.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 52 years, Carol Hinkson Spence of Sulphur, La.; his son, Alton Edward Spence Jr. (Jamie) of Ft. Worth, Texas; his daughter, Mica Anne Holly (Patrick) of Leesville, La.; his grandsons, Andrew, Noah, Stephen, and Benjamin; his granddaughter, Abigal; his step-sister, Amelia Ponder Hale; his nieces, Pam Dale (Robert) of St. Rose, La., Phyllis Hale of Metairie, La., Robin McAskill (Michael) of St. Rose, La.; his nephews, Eric Ponder (Rachelle) of Atlanta, Ga., George Ponder, Jr. of New Orleans, La.; and a host of very good friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, James Prentiss Spence; his mother, Dorothy Rita Arceneaux Ponder; his step-father, Eugene Frank Ponder; his sister, Sandra S. Hart; his step-brother, George Dalferes Ponder.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at Victory Worship Center in Sulphur, La. Visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. until the time of service in the church. Cremation was entrusted to Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonsulphurmemorial.com for the Spence family.