He played college football at Sam Houston State University and attended L. C. Anderson High School in Austin, Texas.
He was also a member of the Chicago Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL).
In the 1961 AFL Championship Game against the San Diego Chargers, a late-game interception by Spence secured a 10-3 victory for the Oilers, earning the team their second AFL championship in as many years.
[2] Spence served in the United States Army, earning the rank of first lieutenant.
He died at his home in Harris County, Texas, on March 6, 1990, after an undisclosed illness.