William Lee "Bill" Spence, born Nov. 8, 1944, in Buena Vista, passed away peacefully at his home in Buena Vista on Jan. 3, 2025. He was the beloved son of the late Harry Elwood Spence and Ileta Goolsby Spence. 

Bill shared a remarkable 60-year marriage with his devoted wife, Joyce Rice Spence, and was a proud father to two daughters. Kristin Spence of Buena Vista brought him joy with her two sons, Lee Fink and Spencer Fink. Heather All of North Carolina, along with her husband Allen, blessed Bill with two grandsons, Aidan and Kellan All. 

Bill was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Jane Staton, Patsy Staton, Peggy Brown and Donna Floyd; and his brothers Jerry Spence, Genie Spence, Delmas Spence and Gary Spence. 

He is survived by his sisters Judy Coleman, Dorothy Coleman (Claude), Edith Staton, and Debbie Clark (Daryl), as well as his brother Bobby Spence (Barbara), and many nieces and nephews. 

A proud graduate of ParryMcCluer High School’s Class of 1964, Bill excelled in football and baseball during his school years. He later dedicated 25 years of service to the Natural Bridge LearningCenter before retiring. Bill also pursued his passion for antiques by operating an antique shop in Buena Vista for 20 years. 

An active member of Buena VistaBaptist Church, Bill served as a Sunday school teacher and deacon. He enjoyed deer hunting, tending to his yard, and celebrating Christmas with his treasured vintage Santa collection. 

Throughout his life, Bill cherished his family and community deeply and found immense pride in his role as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His legacy lives on through the love and memories he created with those closest to him. 

A memorial service will be held at Buena Vista Baptist Church on Friday, Jan. 10, at 11 a.m. to honor Bill’s life and legacy. The Rev. Scott Covington will be officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Buena Vista Baptist Church.

Arrangements are by Bolling, Grose, and Lotts Funeral Home and Crematory.