Matthew K. Spence

Matthew Keith Spence passed away Monday night, October 13th. He was 62 years old. He is survived by his wife Trachele and their three daughters, Caroline, 30, Maddie, 27, and Anna Grace, 22, four sisters, Edie (Ben), Brenda, Mitzi, and Patty, three brothers, Stan (Shelly), Clyde, and Tony, and thirteen nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Perry and Maggie, and older brother, Michael.

As the youngest of nine, he knew he would never be first for anything new, but he always claimed “second!”. He was raised by four sisters, which thankfully prepared him for his three daughters. He was kept grounded by his four brothers, who he looked up to and admired. He loved sports (go Phins, Hogs, and Cards!) but never missed a dance recital and was always the loudest one in the audience. He loved reading and with eclectic tastes of fantasy and sci-fi to Robert Frost and Shakespeare, you never knew what he was going to bring up. Jimmy Buffet and Margaritaville. The Opera and classical music. It’s a Wonderful Life and Star Wars. Matt embodied the duality of man.

He worked long nights but always answered his daughters’ calls, no matter how late or early it was. He encouraged, pushed, and cheered them on – whether with quiet encouragement or exuberance loud enough for everyone to hear. He forgave with a childlike ease, no matter the sass or situation. A proud journalist for the Arkansas Democrat Gazette from college and into his career, he wore many different hats and, left his mark on multiple departments. He later enjoyed working for Krebs Brothers. He was constantly trying new dishes to create and loved to try new cuisines. Parrothead doesn’t quite describe Matt; he was always searching for that “lost shaker of salt” (but never for a margarita) and listening to “mother ocean” call him upon her waters.

Matt was a man of faith and was a devout believer in God, we are thrilled that he was welcomed into heaven by his Savior. We will miss so much about Matt, his hugs, his reassurance, his sense of humor, but most of all, we will miss the man and the joy he brought to our lives.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114. 501-758-1170.