Philip Odell Spence, a lifelong resident of Harnett County, passed away Tuesday August 25th surrounded by his family on the same small farm in Lillington where he was born and raised.. Philip was one of nine children born and raised on the family farm. He was preceded in death by his Parents Broughton and Lily Spence, his six sisters, Ruth Cain, Betty Sue Stephens, Madge Ayscue, Faye Powell, Judy Strickland, Lottie Newton and his two brothers, James and George. His childhood on the farm helped shape the man he would become, independent, hardworking, resourceful, and always willing to lend a hand.

Philip proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He entered active duty in November 1960 and served six months on active duty, followed by six years in the Marine Corps Reserves. He then worked for Campbell University (formerly Campbell College) and retired from Kelly Springfield Tire Company, later known as Goodyear Tire Company after being employed there for more than 30 years

In 1962, Philip met the love of his life, Betty, and the two were married in 1964. Together, they built a life centered around their faith, family, church, and service to others. Their marriage was a partnership that lasted for more than six decades. Not long after their marriage, Philip and Betty felt the Lord calling them to serve. Philip began his ministry as a deacon at Fellowship Baptist Church. That calling eventually led him and others to help establish new churches. Throughout his life, Philip helped start three churches, beginning with a church in Coats, North Carolina, followed by Anderson Creek Community Church and Crossroads Church in Lillington. He remained an active deacon at Crossroads until this year. He also traveled on five mission trips to Nicaragua, where he shared his faith and witnessed to others about Christ.

Philip's faith was never simply something he talked about; it was something he lived. He faithfully attended church, visited relatives and those who were sick or homebound, and looked for opportunities to help others. Philip was a longtime member of the Boone Trail Ruritan Club, where he spent years helping build wheelchair ramps for people with disabilities. He believed in helping people without expecting anything in return. He loved working the land and could often be found tending his garden, growing far more than he and his family could ever use just so he could share with others.

He is survived by his beloved wife of more than six decades, Betty Spence; their daughters, Marj Benson, and Alison Plumley and her husband, Tony. He also leaves 5 grandchildren, Ashlyn Valdiviezo, Mikayla Joyner, Taylor Ray, Gabriel Plumley, and Twyla Plumley, and his 3 great-grandchildren, Christian Valdiviezo, Jason Valdiviezo, and Scarlett Ray. He also leaves behind many precious nieces and nephews and their families, whom he loved dearly, as well as countless friends, church family members, neighbors, coworkers, and others whose lives he touched throughout the years.

Philip's life was a testament to perseverance, faith, and service. He worked hard, loved deeply, served faithfully, and gave generously. He did not need recognition for the things he did. He simply believed that if someone needed help, you helped them. His greatest legacy is found in the people he helped, the faith he shared, the family he loved, and the example he left behind. He will be deeply missed, but we can all find comfort knowing his work here is finished and he is now home with the Lord.

The family will receive friends from 11:00-11:45 AM Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Crossroads Church in Lillington. A funeral service will follow at noon at the church. Burial with military honors will be in Westview Cemetery in Lillington.