HARRINGTON - John L. Spence Jr., of Harrington, died Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011, at home surrounded by his family. He was 83. John worked at DuPonts for over 31 years retiring in 1985. He was an avid hot rodder whose pride and joy was his 1929 Roadster Ford Highboy. His numerous trophies attested to his meticulous upkeep of his hot rod. Years ago, he enjoyed bowling on a league, and square dancing. His favorite activity was shooting pool. His claim to fame was beating five-time ESPN Trick Shot Champion, Mike Massey, in a game of pool, with pictures to prove it. John also had a love of animals. He was a self proclaimed animal rights activist and was always on the lookout for people who abused animals. His character was that of a jokester, someone who was fun loving, ornery, funny, caring and thought of others before himself. He was very friendly and knew just about everyone in Harrington. He had no enemies and was well spoken. John belonged to the Southern Delaware Hot Rod Assoc., Harrington Moose Lodge #534, Harrington Senior Center, and A.P.A. In addition to his parents, John L. and Ohma Spence Sr., he was preceded in death by brother, Thomas Eugene Spence. He is survived by his loving wife, Jean Eleanor Spence; son and daughter-in-law, Dale L. and Patricia Spence of Ridgely, Md.; daughter and son-in-law, Wanda A. Baynard-Haass and Richard P. Haass Jr. of Rising Sun; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Services will be 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 21, 2011, at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington, where a visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday evening. Interment will be in Denton Cemetery, Denton, Md.