Joey “Hodge” Weldon Spence, 57, of Barhamsville, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly in the morning of July 7, 2023, just four days shy of his 58th birthday. He was proud to be born into a humble family in the Blue Ridge Mountains on July 11, 1965. He called Laurel Fork, Virginia his home before moving to Williamsburg, Virginia.
With great work ethic and without an extensive education, he then started his own business, Spence Brothers Masonry, his bluegrass band, Highway 249, and his biggest accomplishment, his own family. Through a plethora of challenges and a lot of hard work, he created a life for himself that made everyone that knew him proud.
Joeys love language was generosity and would often give the shirt off his back to anyone he knew. In fact, he preferred to be shirtless and of course, wearing his red bandana, an ode to his late father. His big heart was a reflection of his soul and we are relieved to know he is now at peace and with the Lord.
Joey was proceeded in death by his father, David Spence; as well as his paternal grandparents Euell and Carrie Spence, and maternal grandparents Irene and Garland Spangler. He is survived by his loving wife Tammy Spence; his only son Jacob Spence (Hannah); his first wife and mother of his child, Darla Spence; his mother Norma Pratt (Lowell); his sister Janet Hiatt (Dwain); his brother Michael “Mike” Spence; and his half-brother, Johnny Spence. Additionally he is survived by his stepson Logan Simone (Katie); his three nephews Nash, Mason, and Justin; and notably his three very best friends, JR Brady, Henry Branscome, and his beloved dog Elly May.
A Celebration of Joey’s Life will be held on 1 p.m. Saturday, July 15, at “Hen’s Roost” 3298 N Riverside Drive, Lanexa, Va. 23089. Joeys friends at Vincent Funeral Home will be handling all arrangements, and the family will be honoring his request to spread his ashes at his childhood home at a later date in a private ceremony. PS: don’t forget your bandana.
