William J. Spencer

William J. Spencer, a lifelong resident of Hot Springs, passed away this past Saturday at home – two days shy of his 88th birthday. Bill was the eldest of ten, father of four, grandfather of five, and great-grandfather of four. Retired U.S. Navy, he served during WWII and Korea.

Bill was a member of Oaklawn United Methodist Church, a member of Hot Springs Lodge #62, and a past Master Mason, 32nd degree, of Sumpter Lodge #419. He retired after 35 years from Southwestern Bell Telephone and was past president of the Telephone Pioneers of America, Hot Springs, and past president of C.W.A. local 6503. Bill also served as Justice of the Peace and on the Animal Control Commission of the City of Hot Springs. An avid hunter, Bill was a charter member of the Oaklawn Hunting Club.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Spencer; son, Philip Spencer; brothers, Arthur Spencer and Joe Spencer; and sister, Vivian Cook.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Spencer; daughter, Connie Stewart; sons, John Spencer and James Spencer; sisters, Edith Schweiger, Juanita Shepherd, Lena Creasy, Francis Williams, and Bonita Reddig; and brother, M. Wayne Spencer.

Family visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday at Gross Funeral Home.

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday and officiated by his niece, Rev. Heather Marie Clawitter, with nephew Darryl Creasy assisting.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Oaklawn United Methodist Church building fund.