Eric D. Spence

Eric Dale Spence, 87, of Pierson, MI, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday evening, June 9, 2026. Eric was born on September 18, 1938, in Pierson to Lucille Stratton. Eric loved to fish and spent many winters on the ice. He also loved sports, especially baseball. He signed a professional contract with the Detroit Tigers after graduating high school and though this didn’t turn into a professional career, Eric continued to be involved in local men’s baseball and softball teams, which included being a well-loved coach of many little league teams. Eric was competitive (even when playing croquet with his grandkids), smart, funny, honest, hardworking and a role model for many. Eric was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane who passed July 27, 2020. He is survived by his children, Ericanne Spence, Melissa (Raymond) McCahill, Melanie (Mark) Gould and Dana (Diane) Spence. Pa D, as he was affectionately called, loved to be surrounded by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Caitlin (Danny) Kuk, Rachel (Jonathan) Ashford, Patrick McCahill, Hannah (Derek) Paepke, Emily (Cameron) Hysell, Claudia (James) Fedewa, Noel Spence, Owen Spence and Allison Spence; great grandchildren, Madison, Morgan, Trenton, Ember, JJ, Olivia, Mya, Alice and Madeline. The family will greet friends on Tuesday, June 16, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at K.E. Pike Funeral Home, 13603 Northland Drive, Cedar Springs, MI. A private burial will take place at the Pierson Township Cemetery at a later date. Please consider memorial contributions to The National Ataxia Foundation, P.O. Box 27986, Golden Valley, MN 55427.