Michael Spence

Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch Michael Bennett Spence, 60, passed away peacefully in the arms of his wife, Briana, on Friday, January 10, 2025 in Olive Branch , MS. Michael was born on October 2, 1964 in Atlanta, GA to Craig Spence, Sr. and Mary Jean Spence. After Michael graduated from MacArthur High School in San Antonio, TX, he went on to Fork Union Military Academy where his love for learning deepened. From there, Michael was recruited to The United States Military Academy West Point to play basketball. After West Point, he continued to serve his country honorably at Fort Knox, KY. Once his service was complete, Michael went on to further his education, receiving his master’s degree from Thunderbird School of Global Management. After graduating from college, Michael started his career and ultimately ended up in Memphis, TN working for Federal Express. He devoted his career to FedEx for 24 years, with the last eight years as a senior manager in Global Digital. Throughout his career, he was awarded many accolades and made many life-long friends. Although Michael took pride in his education and service to his country, he always felt his main accomplishments were his love for God and his family. Michael loved his Lord and Savior and his wife, Briana, and their three boys more than anything in the world. To know Michael, is to know the simplest pleasures in life brought him the most joy. He loved days spent with the boys, playing basketball, throwing the football, walks around the lake, fishing, hunting, s'mores around the fire, Bible studies at home, and simple nights in cuddled up, watching movies together. He loved making memories together on family vacations to the beach, the lake, and the mountains, something he looked forward to every year. He was a devoted follower of Christ and a loving husband and father. Michael was known to many as a gentle giant, which is why it is no surprise that while he may have been tall in stature, he had a soft side. He took to writing poetry later in his life. He loved to encourage and lift people's spirits through his writings. He went on to publish his first book, "Morning’s Curtain," in 2021, and his second book, "no ordinary seed," will be published next year. He wanted his poetry to bring joy and comfort to all who read it. Michael’s hope is that all who loved him will continue to honor his legacy by living their life to the fullest, and that all would know his life didn't come to an end with his death. Rather, he lives forever with his Lord and Savior. Michael was preceded in death by his father, Craig Spence, Sr. Michael is survived by his wife, Briana Spence, and their three sons, Luke Spence, Ethan Spence and Weston Spence; his mother, Mary Jean Spence of San Antonio, TX; and brothers, Craig Spence, Jr. of West Bridgewater, MA and Douglas Spence of San Antonio, TX. He also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews that adored him dearly. Friends are invited to a visitation with the family on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Bonne Terre (4715 Church Rd., Nesbit, MS 38651). A Celebration of a Life service to honor the life of Michael Spence will follow at 2:00 p.m. Pastor James Merritt will officiate. Interment will be held at a later date at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Tunnel to Towers (www.t2t.org) or Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org). In honor of Michael Spence’s service to our country, the flag of the United States Army will be flown at Coleman Funeral Home the day of the service.

Michael Spence

October 2, 1964 - January 10, 2025

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