Thomas Spence, 83, also known as "Cat" by friends passed away April 7, 2017. He was born May 19, 1933 in Waycross, Georgia. He was a pipefitter by trade for 55 years and vice president of local union 231. He was also the owner of Kidd's Dale Daycare and Kid's Zone Education and Care, both of Panama City; where he was known as "PawPaw". He served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was preceded in death by his father, James Corbitt Spence, mother, Nezzie Pittman Spence, a son, Tommy Spence; grandson, Justin Spence; brothers, Joseph Spence, Rev. James Spence; sisters, Mary Spence Steele, Ruby Williamson, Helen Wilson, Edith and Louise. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sarah Lavenia Spence; daughter, Linda Spence; and great grandson, Justin Spence Jr.; brothers, Edward Spence (Dorothy), David Spence (Janice), Rev. Sam Spence (Merdis), 22 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. He was Pentecostal by faith and served many years as a board member and Sunday School Secretary with the Assemblies of God Church. Thomas Spence had spent the last 3 months in Bay Medical Sacred Heart, Glen Cove Rehabilitation and Hospital Select. The family would like to give the doctor, nurses, tech and valet a thanks for the care they gave our dad and family through the hours of need. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jason Lowery officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 12 to 2 p.m., prior to the service. Active pallbearers will be Johnny Fabera, Blair Martin, Buddy Spence, Kevin Spence, Larry Livingston and Tony Spence. Honorary pallbearers will be Donnie Wicker, Wayne Simmons, Mike Clanton and Tim Spence.