Kennis Spence

Kennis Spence, 86, of South Bloomfield, Ohio, passed away from complications of Covid-19 on December 27, 2020. He was born on September 24, 1934, in East Lynn, West Virginia, and was the son of the late George Spence and Anna Laura Spence (Sellards). He was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Bonnie (Gillispie) Spence, and his siblings: Glenn,Wayne, Noah, Gypsy Gillispie, Doris Steele, James, Goldie Waugh, and infant brother Timothy. Kennis retired from the U.S. Air Force, where he served 20 years as a firefighter, at the rank of tech sgt, and from Defense Supply Center Columbus (then known as DCSC) where he served 20 years as a firefighter, fire inspector, and deputy fire chief. He had a wonderful sense of humor, was kind and generous, and was beloved by everyone who knew him. Kennis is survived by his four children: sons Troy Ray and George (Susan Garrison), and daughters Laura Spence and Mary O'Malley. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Jason Spence, son of George and Susan, and Andrew, Elliott, Shannon, Ethan, and Caroline O'Malley, children of Mary O'Malley, and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He also leaves behind a loyal feline friend, Pumpkin. There will be a private memorial celebration of his life by his immediate family members, due to Covid-19 containment measures. Please wear a mask and maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet to prevent spreading this deadly disease. For those wishing to make a donation in memory of Kennis Spence, the family suggests making a contribution to The James Fund, (https://cancer.osu.edu/for-donors-and-volunteers/how-to-donate/donate-to-a-special-fund/james-fund-for-life) which supports the priorities of the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC), including life-saving research, clinical trials and new technologies or to the cancer charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank his physicians and caregivers affiliated with Ohio State University health system, including the physicians and nurses of The James Comprehensive Cancer Center who provided medical care through his battle with cancer, including his oncologist, Dr. Paul Monk, and his staff; Dr. Tanya Guré; Dr. John Trinidad; and the doctors, nurses, and staff at OSU's Wexner Hospital and Hospice of Central Ohio, who provided skilled, compassionate care to our father as well as compassionate support to his family.