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Charles “Charlie” Spence

March 31, 1939 - February 15, 2026
Visitation
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home
3800 N. Big Spring St
Midland, Texas 79705
Wednesday 2/18, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Service
First Baptist Church Chapel
Thursday 2/19, 9:30 am
Cemetery
Resthaven Memorial Park - Midland
Thursday 2/19

Charles “Charlie” Spence, 86, of Midland, Texas, passed away February 15, 2026, at home surrounded by family. He was born March 31, 1939, in Steele, Missouri, to Grace Gertrude Huddleston and Aaron Burr Spence.

Charlie served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957 to 1963 and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. He enjoyed a distinguished career as publisher of the Midland Reporter-Telegram, where he championed a free press and civic responsibility. A lifelong pilot and stunt pilot, Charlie also loved motorcycle riding and running. He volunteered tirelessly with United Way, the Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, the Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity and many other local organizations. He loved life, lived it to the fullest, and believed in treating all people with dignity and respect.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Ruth Ann Spence; his parents; his brothers Jerry Spence, Royce Spence, Jim Huddleston and Joe Huddleston; and his sister Nona Morris.

He is survived by his son David Spence and fiancée Kelly Campbell; his daughter Pamela Spence Foster and husband Dan Foster; grandchildren Aaron Spence, Nicole Diamond (Joe Diamond), Ryan Foster and Anna Foster; and great-grandchildren Connor Diamond, Brayden Diamond and Jasmine Paulson.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Wednesday, 02/18/2026, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 9:30 AM Thursday, 02/19/2026, at First Baptist Church Chapel, with interment to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

The family expresses their gratitude to Hospice of Midland for their unwavering support and comfort and extends heartfelt thanks to his church family at First Family Fellowship Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army, Midland Soup Kitchen, Hospice of Midland, The Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.

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Visitation
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home
3800 N. Big Spring St
Midland, Texas 79705
Map
Wednesday 2/18, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Service
First Baptist Church Chapel
Thursday 2/19, 9:30 am
Cemetery
Resthaven Memorial Park - Midland
Thursday 2/19

Charles “Charlie” Spence, 86, of Midland, Texas, passed away February 15, 2026, at home surrounded by family. He was born March 31, 1939, in Steele, Missouri, to Grace Gertrude Huddleston and Aaron Burr Spence. Charlie served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957 to 1963 and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. He enjoyedContinue Reading

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Ron W Stroman left a message on February 27, 2026:
I knew Charlie as a pilot at Basin Aviation. We both loved flying and owning aircraft. Charlie and I joined the Board of West Texas National Bank at the same time. Charlie was good for Midland. He will be remembered and missed.. Ron Stroman
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Permian Basin left a message on February 26, 2026:
Charlies dedication as an Ambassador Board Member made a lasting impact. We are grateful for his support and will honor his legacy. Condolences,
Peace Lily was purchased for the family of Charles Spence by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Permian Basin. Send Flowers
Lyn Miller left a message on February 20, 2026:
My sincere condolences to the family and friends at the passing of Charlie Spence. He was a beacon during his life here in Midland. I met him while working for the City of Midland and writing a column which was published in the MRT. He was always friendly to everyone he encountered and he made my task an easier one. Charlie was such a gentleman and it was a pleasure to have known him.
Stephanie Sparkman left a message on February 19, 2026:
Outside his family, Charlie Spence liked me better than anyone else he knew. There must be thousands of us who feel that way, because that’s how Charlie made us feel. Charlie had a special gift. He saw into the souls of the worst of us and found our light there, waiting to be strengthened. Then he strengthened it. He loved and cherished each person he met as if he or she was the only one in his viewfinder. And he nurtured the goodness in us all. Thousands of lives were touched by his and made better for it. It was because of him that my love for Midland, Texas grew. And flourished. Seeing the Permian Basin through Charlie’s eyes was like envisioning that city on the hill his friend Jesus spoke about. He loved Midland with every ounce of his being and devoted his life to making her kinder, more charitable, lovelier in every way. Midland is a better place because of Charlie Spence. It is my prayer that the city he loved so much will return that love by honoring his legacy in a meaningful and lasting way. He earned it.
Mary Dearen left a message on February 17, 2026:
Mr. Spence was a wonderful man, and I enjoyed working for him at the Midland Reporter-Telegram. My condolences to his family and friends. ... Mary Dearen
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Trinity Baptist Church left a message on February 16, 2026:
We at Trinity Baptist Church, Big Spring, Texas want you to know that prayers are being lifted for your family. May the God of all comfort keep your hearts and minds at this time. Please know that we are here to help you through your grief. We offer our GriefShare ministry several times throughout the year. Please visit our website tbcbigspring.com/serve/grief-share if you are local; or visit Griefshare.org to find grief ministries.
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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