Marvin Ray Spruance, 56

FREDERICA - Marvin Ray Spruance of Frederica died due to a long term illness Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007, in his home. He was 56.

Mr. Spruance was born July 30, 1950, son of Evangelist Nettie Harris and the late James Spruance.

He attended school in the Harrington School District and finished his education through James H. Grove Adult School.

He drove for Dover Limousine for years. He became self-employed before he became sick.

Mr. Spruance gave his life to Christ in 1991 and served as a faithful member and deacon at Greater Life Holiness Church. He was also known as Deacon Spruance and his family called him "Razor Blade."

He is survived by his mother, Evangelist Nettie Harris of Harrington; his wife, Betty Spruance; three stepsons whom he raised, D.J. Lewes, Lavar Lewes and William Lewes, all of Dover; four sisters, Maurice Foster of Frederica who took care of him during his illness, Gwen Walston and Lorna Spruance, both of Harrington and Dorothy Abraham of Milford; eight brothers, James Bynum, Nathaniel Spruance, Edward Spruance and Franklin Corsey, all of Dover, Douglas Foreman, Mark Spruance and Willie Spruance, all of Harrington, and Harry Turner II of Ellendale; eight sisters-in-law, Rose Spruance, Doris Spruance, Barbara Wilson, Linda Lewis and Charlotte Harris, all of Dover, Gardenia Turner of Ellendale, Anna Lewis of Dover and Joyce Bynum of Trenton, N.J.; three brothers-in-law; Kevin Mayo of Frederica, Chester Lewis of Dover and Tony Walston of Harrington; two aunts from Wilson, N.C.; an uncle from Baltimore; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in Greater Life Holiness Church, Starhill.

Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in the church, where friends may call two hours earlier.

Burial will be in Sharon Hill Cemetery, Dover.

Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.