William Robert Spiker

October 19, 1944 – September 19, 2024

William Robert Spiker, lovingly known as Bill, passed away on September 19, 2024, at the age of 79. Born on October 19, 1944, in Uniontown, PA, he lived a life defined by hard work, love for his family, and an enduring passion for sports.

A proud alumnus of Parkersburg High School and West Virginia University, Bill built a successful career that took him all over the country. He worked his way up from Plant Quality Control Engineer, through several companies including GE, Allis-Chalmers, eventually becoming Company President of Best Diversified. His dedication and intellect made him a respected leader in his field.

Bill was an avid reader and a lifelong sports fan. As a young boy in the early 1950s, he loved listening to games of every sport from across the country on his transistor radio. He excelled as an athlete, winning awards in baseball from Little League in Fairmont, WV, through high school in Parkersburg, WV, as well as in track. Later in life, he took up golf, finding joy in the game. He was always delighted that he got to see some of the greatest athletes in their prime, including Willie Mays, Jim Brown, Jerry West, Tony Dorsett, and Larry Csonka.

Beyond his professional and athletic pursuits, Bill will be remembered most as a devoted family man. Gentle, kind, and wise, he took the greatest pride in his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. He had a deep love for spending time with his family, always eager to hear about their lives and share stories from his own. His strength and intelligence were a source of comfort and guidance, and his children and grandchildren knew they could always turn to him for advice and unwavering support.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Janet M. Spiker; his sons, Robert Spiker and spouse Larissa of Shepherdstown, WV, and David Spiker of Hackensack, NJ; his brothers, Barry Spiker and Marc Spiker (wife Sherry); and his cherished grandchildren, Selene Spiker and Matthew Spiker, both of Shepherdstown, WV; and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William E. Spiker and Imogene Thompson.