William Spence III

William Spence III was born on August 19, 1959, in San Antonio, Texas, to William Spence Jr. and Jean (Raithel) Spence. He passed away unexpectedly on February 7, 2026, in Austin, Texas, at the age of 66.

As befitted a man with a larger-than-life personality, he answered to several different names throughout his life. As a child, he was “Tup” (and yes, there are multiple stories about how that came to be). In his teenage years, he went by Bill, and as an adult he became Will. Whatever you called him, he was not someone easily forgotten.

Will grew up in Austin, attending Casis Elementary, O. Henry Junior High, and the “new” Austin High School, where he was active in journalism (photography) and theatre. His favorite role was Sir Toby Belch, a fitting character for someone who never shied away from the spotlight. A natural performer (some might say a bit of a ham), Will spent much of his life singing, telling stories, and making the people around him laugh.

After high school, Will served three years in the United States Army. He trained as a computer programmer and went on to build a long career in information technology, working for IBM, Dell, Dana Corporation, and Cedar Park Regional Medical Center. He was known for being calm, patient, and steady, the person you wanted beside you when technology refused to cooperate.

Will shared two children, Kyle and Danielle, with their mother, and he was deeply proud of both of them. He loved attending movies with Danielle and treasured time spent golfing with Kyle and close friends. Even after “blowing out his knees,” he remained a devoted sports fan, loyally cheering for the Seattle Seahawks.

Theatre and film remained lifelong passions. Each year, he looked forward to working South by Southwest, running a crew at one of the venues and immersing himself in the energy of the festival.

If you asked Will what mattered most, he would tell you without hesitation: his Lord, his children, his grandchildren, and his family, near and far. Though a Texan through and through, he always held a special love for the cool air and wide-open beauty of the Pacific Northwest and Washington State.

Will was preceded in death by his parents, William Spence Jr. and Jean (Raithel) Spence; his brother, Robert Raithel Spence; and his beloved daughter, Danielle Matthews Spence.

He is survived by his son Kyle and daughter-in-law Rachel; his cherished grandchildren Jaina, Landon, and Mara Jade; his sisters Terry Young (Bill), Susan Cotham (Brett), and Ida Ellis (Craig); and a wide circle of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. No matter where he went, Will made a friend. He had a gift for turning strangers into conversation partners and ordinary moments into stories.

Our hearts broke the day he died, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be filled. But his example, as a father, grandfather, brother, and friend, remains. His laughter echoes in his grandchildren, his strength lives on in his son, and his love will shape this family for years to come. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A memorial service will be held at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery on April 10 at 12:00 p.m., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) at www.breakthrought1d.org or to a charity of your choice.