Mr. Arnold Ray Spence, 90, of Fairmount, Md., formerly of Sanford and Saxis, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, in Salisbury, Md., following a short illness.
Born and raised on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Arnold was the son of the late Melvin and Florence Hall Spence, of Sanford.
As a young man, he married Sue Young in 1957 and they made their home in Sanford. Arnold answered his country’s call and served in the U.S. Army for two years, stationed in Korea. Following his military service, Arnold built a long and dedicated career, beginning with Bird’s Eye Foods, Stockton Chicken Plant, and Holly Farms/Tyson, retiring after 30 years of service.
He was well respected for his strong work ethic and knowledge of how to fix anything. In Sanford, he was known as the “handyman of all trades.” Whenever anything broke down, Arnold Ray was the one called to fix it, regardless of whether it was a car, grass cutter, or lamp. Everyone knew he had the talents to repair things.
In addition to his handyman skills, Arnold was a talented photographer. Rarely seen without a camera in his hands, he captured family gatherings, special milestones, and the simple beauties of everyday life. His photographs are treasured keepsakes, preserving memories that will live on for generations.
Arnold was predeceased by his first wife, Sue, in 1993. He then married Vivian Hart and moved to Saxis. After Vivian’s passing in 2009, Arnold married Suzanne French and moved to Fairmount. Suzanne predeceased him in October 2025.
In addition to his parents and wives, Arnold was predeceased by one step grandson, David Hart Jr., in 2025.
Arnold was a family man. He was a proud father to his only son, Gary and his wife, Sandy, and his granddaughter-in-law, Janae Terry, all of Westover, Md.
He was a steady presence in the lives of his stepchildren, whom he embraced as his own, David (Beverly) Hart, Keith Hart, Faye (Paul) Bashor, and Lois French, along with five stepgrandchildren, nine stepgreat-grandchildren, and three stepgreat-great-grandchildren.
He is survived by one brother-in-law, Jack Young; and three nieces, Carla Zuchel, Tina Haugh, and Joanne Allen.
Arnold remained especially close to his two cousins, Dorothy Justice (Spencer) and Linda Miles (MK) who were more like sisters and whose bond with him spanned a lifetime.
He also leaves behind a large extended family, including numerous cousins and countless friends.
A graveside service was held on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m. at Downings Cemetery in Oak Hall.
Arrangements were by Thornton Funeral Home in Parksley.
