Robert Wesley Spence, age 64, born on February 24, 1961, passed away on January 30, 2026.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Melissa Waters Spence; his sons, Joshua Spence and his wife Crystal, Jeremiah Spence and his wife Racheal, and Jonathan Spence and his wife Lyndsey; and his cherished grandchildren, Chloe, Corben, Olivia, Owen, Mia, Lacey, and Luke Spence. He is also survived by his sisters, Velva Lineback and Reva Kay Pack. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Paul Spence and Zelma Spence; and his brothers, Gary Spence and Dwight Spence.
Robert’s life was defined by perseverance, discipline, integrity, and an extraordinary work ethic. He faced challenges early in life, but never allowed them to become excuses. Instead, he believed deeply in doing the right thing, showing up every day, and earning what he had through honest work. These values guided every part of his life. He married his high school sweetheart, Melissa, and together they shared 44 years of marriage, building a home rooted in love, loyalty, and unwavering commitment.
As a proud father of three sons, Robert poured everything he had into his boys – his time, his knowledge, and his values. He taught them the importance of discipline, responsibility, and character by example. His sons grew up working beside him on the farm, learning lessons that extended far beyond the fields. Whether farming tobacco, raising Red Angus cattle, tending his beloved honeybees, or most recently planting and nurturing a chestnut orchard of over 500 trees, Robert worked not only because he loved it, but because he believed in providing a better life and building something lasting for his family.
As a young man, he played football and ran track at Floyd County High School, experiences that helped shape his character and reinforce the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Robert’s love for Floyd County football and track never faded. Even while working full-time and farming, Robert dedicated countless hours to giving back to Floyd County athletics. He played a major role in supporting and helping push forward significant improvements at Floyd County High School, including regrading the football field and enhancing the facilities with a rubberized track, updated bleachers, a press box, a weight room, locker rooms, a scoreboard, and throwing areas. His commitment required years of selfless service and left a lasting impact on the school and its youth. In recognition of his contributions, Robert was inducted into the Floyd County High School Hall of Fame in 2025.
In his later years, one of Robert’s greatest joys was attending his granddaughter, Chloe’s, track meets and watching his grandson, Corben, play football on Friday nights. He rarely missed a track meet or game, and those moments meant the world to him.
For 28 years, Robert dedicated himself to his career at Volvo, where he was known for his dependability, discipline, and strong work ethic. He often voluntarily worked long days and weekends as he pursued his goals and worked to provide a better life for his family, something he took great pride in. Just as meaningful as the work itself, were the close-knit friendships he formed with his coworkers, whom he affectionately referred to as “his boys.” Robert built lasting relationships that extended beyond the workplace, and many of those coworkers became lifelong friends he remained in touch with long after his retirement.
Outside of work, farming, and athletics, Robert found peace and great enjoyment in Alaska, a place he dearly loved. He and his wife Melissa spent treasured summers at their cabin there, a special place he named “The Zelma Mae” in honor of his mother. Surrounded by the Alaskan wilderness, Robert found quiet, reflection, and joy, making it one of his most cherished places on earth.
Above all else, Robert was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Family was everything to him. He loved fiercely, lived with purpose, and worked tirelessly, always guided by discipline, integrity, and a commitment to doing the right thing. His legacy of strength, character, hard work, and unwavering devotion to family will live on through his children, his grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Roy Turpin officiating. Interment will follow in the Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from Noon until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of
Robert to the Floyd County High School Track Renovation Fund, 721 Baker Street,
Floyd, VA 24091.
