Lewis Lafayette Spence, retired businessman and farmer, died May 25, 2012 at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Valrie Chambliss Spence. Mr. Spence was born in Ware County, Georgia on September 14, 1918. He attended Abraham Baldwin College and received a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture from the University of Georgia in 1941. Before serving in the army during World War II, he taught agriculture at Plains High School and returned to teach for ten years when the war ended. In 1955, he and his family moved to Dawson where he became a partner in Perry Feed and Seed Company and Dawson Livestock Company.

Mr. Spence was an active and devoted member of the Dawson United Methodist Church and helped to form the Berean Sunday School class in 1956 serving as teacher for many years. He also served in other capacities including chairman of the Pastor Parish Committee, Council on Ministries and Administrative Board.

A charter member of the Plains Lions Club, he was active in the Dawson Lions Club into his nineties. He held many offices, including president for several terms. He was a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest award a Lion can receive and was recognized for his 65 years of membership in the club recently on L.L. Spence Appreciation Day.

Mr. Spence is survived by two daughters, Val McIntyre of Atlanta and her husband Tom, and Pam Jordan of Eatonton and her husband Denny, a sister Jewel Davis of Waresboro and a brother Tom Spence of Waycross. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Spence Johnson of Athens, Beth Avery of Knoxville, and Meg Johnson of Dallas and four great-grandchildren, Read and Wells Johnson and Spence and Rollin Avery.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Dawson United Methodist Church on Friday, June 1, at 11:00am. with Rev. Eddie Braswell officiating. Prior to the service, the family will greet visitors at the church starting at 10:30. Harvey Funeral Home of Dawson is in charge of arrangements. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Dawson United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 167, Dawson, GA 39842 or to the League of the Good Samaritan, Magnolia Manor, 2001 S. Lee Street, Americus, GA 31709.