Wendell "Lee" Spence

Wendell Lee Spence, 87 years old, Boyne City, Michigan, passed peacefully December 21, 2025, in Traverse City, Michigan.

Lee was born at home on April 7, 1938, in Antrim County to Raymond and Leona (Feere) Spence.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Betty (Fairchild) Spence; three sons, Dan (Cheryl) Spence, Wesley Chapel, FL, Mike (Teresa) Spence, East Jordan, MI, Aaron (Debbie) Spence, Newaygo, MI; step-daughters, Tricia (Shane) Williams, Goodyear, AZ, Bridget (William) Wells, Goodyear, AZ; grandchildren, Danny Spence, Joshua Spence, Katie (Ryan) Mankvitz, Steven Spence, Tia Spence, Taylor Spence, Hunter Spence, Tyler (Brenda) Williams, Cameo Williams, Tristan Williams, Jordan Wells, Jadyn Wells; four great-grandchildren, Beau Spence, Hadley Spence, Casey Williams and Carter Williams; one brother James (Kay) Spence, Saranac, MI; several nieces and nephews; and the mother of his four sons, Linda Spence-Domacz, East Jordan, MI.

Preceding him in death are his parents; sister, Orpha (Richard) Russell; brother, Larry (Patti) Spence; and third son Darryl Spence.

Lee worked for EJIW (now EJ) for 40 years, retiring as Machine Shop and Assembly Superintendent. He was very talented and knowledgeable. Lee designed, built, repaired and remodeled four houses. He loved riding Harleys. He could rebuild cars and did his 1962 Corvette, four times, after each one of his sons wrecked it, per Lee. He built 2 grandfather clocks, even cutting the timber. According to his grandchildren, “Grandpa could fix anything!” He loved “projects” things like tightening chairs at church, helping his kids with home projects, advising over the phone, putting bikes together, untangling little girls’ necklaces and even tightening screws on a great grandson’s highchair when he noticed they were loose while visiting. Lee was a great cook and family famous for his grilled chicken. Lee held two patents, lighted footpegs for motorcycles and a boat to trailer hitch to easily remove a boat from water with just one person.

He loved his Lord and his Family. He quietly shared his faith with others. He was a humble but independent man. I can “see” him in heaven with Darryl racing motorcycles with a big smile on his face.

A graveside service officiated by Pastor Jeff Ellis will be on May 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Maple Lawn Cemetery. A celebration of life service will follow at the Boyne City Hall City Commission Chambers at 1:00 PM with a light luncheon to follow. 

Thank you to the entire staff at Grandvue for taking such good and loving care of Lee these last few months, even when he could be a “Pill.”

Ride on, Lee!

Arrangements are in the care of Stackus Funeral Home.

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