Submitted by: Dan Rich

William J. Spillman

July 3, 1920 - June 2, 2008

South Bend Tribune 6/4/2008
GRANGER - William J. "Bill" Spillman, 87, passed away peacefully while under the loving care of his daughters and niece, Nancy Wray, at his home in Granger, IN. Bill was born on July 3, 1920, in South Bend, IN, the eldest son of Oren and Eva Jo Spillman. He attended Riley High School.

On May 15, 1943, he was wed to his loving wife of 61 years, Blanche J. Ullery, who preceded him in death on Nov. 4, 2004. After spending over three years in the Navy stationed aboard the USS Eastland, Bill and Blanche began their family, staying for several years in the South Bend area, then in 1957 moved with their family to Wayland, MI, where he worked for the Keeler Brass Company for six years. They then moved back to South Bend, IN, where he spent most of his life. Bill, Blanche and their family would enjoy many memorable family vacations at Gun Lake near Wayland MI. He had held various jobs from working in his father's hardware business, then starting his own store-fixture business, to becoming the new store construction / remodeling supervisor for the Gray Drug store chain, working in the Midwest and south Florida areas. A dedicated provider for his beloved wife and three daughters, Bill was also the grandfather of six and great-grandfather of 15. He was a member, a deacon and an employee of the Evangelical Covenant Church on East Edison Road, South Bend, IN, for many years. Along with his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Blanche, his sister, Doreen Bolen, and by his son-in-law, Eugene Guentert Jr. Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters, Kathleen Kelly of South Bend, Jill Guentert of Granger and Linda (John) Myers of Granger, and all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his good friend, Helen Lehman; a brother, Jack Spillman; and sisters, June Tucker, Kay Stroud, Mary Evelyn Haskin and Joan Allbaugh.

Friends and family may visit on Thursday, June 5, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. in the Evangelical Covenant Church, 3025 E. Edison Road, South Bend, where services will follow at 11 a.m. Graveside services and burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Contributions in memory of William Spillman may be made in lieu of flowers to Evangelical Covenant Church or to the Center for Hospice, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, 46637, who have been an invaluable assistance to the family, enabling Bill to remain at home with us until his new home in Heaven was ready for him. Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, is handling arrangements.