William Edward "Eddie" Spencer Sr.

1944 - 2016

William Edward 'Eddie' Spencer

William Edward "Eddie" Spencer, Sr. passed away peacefully on December 22, 2016, in the presence of family members, at Select Specialty Hospital in Tallahassee, Florida.

Eddie was born on April 20, 1944, the first son of Sara Lee Boynton Spencer and Clyde Edward Spencer, in Wildwood, Florida, where his father was a Round House Foreman for the Railroad. His family moved back to the Tallahassee area when his father transferred to the areas to supervise a civilian division for the railroad. Eddie was a lifetime resident of Tallahassee. He graduated from Leon High School in 1962 and attended Chipola Junior College. He was self-employed and was active in DLS Ventures.

Eddie met life with his own unique brand of 'flair'. Obstacles that he met in his early years instilled in him the gifts of tenacity, determination and curiosity. At the age of 13 he built a soap box and entered in the B Class of the Tallahassee Soap Box Derby. He won the race, passing the Class A car, and became the Tallahassee Soap Box Derby Champion in 1958. This won him entry into the Nationals in Akron, Ohio; successes such as this would be reflected on through his adult life. He never met an issue he didn't know he could overcome.

Eddie was an avid saltwater fisherman. In the winter, you could find him fishing Keaton, for big gator trout. In the spring and summer months, the Kings and Spanish were running. He knew every "Honey Hole" from Keaton Beach to Carrabelle.

When fall arrived, everything thing was about Florida State Seminole Football and then came Basketball Season. He was a Charter Member of the Rambling Renegades where he met lifelong friends. If you were a friend of Eddie's, you were a friend for life. This usually came along with an assignment of one of his famous 'nicknames'. He was also known for the gift for embellishment. You never really knew if his story was true or not, but, he would always make you laugh.

Eddie loved Paula and his family and loved spending time with his children. In their young years, he made time to teach them to water ski, fish and hunt. The time spent with them formed a lifelong bond of love.

If this writing of Eddie seems somewhat Unorthodox, it is simply, that there was nothing orthodox about Eddie. He was loved so very much and we will miss having him in our lives, but know he will always remain with us in spirit and live in our memories.

He is survived by his loving wife, Paula Phillips Spencer, his mother-in-law, Myra Phillips (Mom), two sons; William Edward "Will" Spencer, Jr. (Sherry), and Corey Edward Spencer (Jennifer), two daughters; Diana Spencer Lewandowski (Lou) and Samantha Izquierdo (Jeremy), two stepsons; Ed Wood (Bryce) and Cameron Cooper (Tanya), his grandchildren; Aaron Thompson (Beth), T.J. Spencer, Kaci Post (Chris), Courtney Mishler (Doug), Hailey Spencer, Taylor Izquierdo, Jaydyn Izquierdo, Landon Spencer, Lylah Spencer, Syvannah Wood, Gracye Wood, Cooper Wood, Campbell Wood and five great-grandchildren, two sisters; Sandra Miller, and Patricia Spencer and one brother, Phillip Spencer.

He was predeceased by his parents, Sara Boynton (Sue), Clyde Edward Spencer and daughter, Laurie Staten Spencer.

There will be a Celebration of Eddie's Life Service on Sunday, January 15, 2017, at Bevis Funeral Home, at 11:00am, 2710 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida. Flowers are welcome, however, Donations to the American Lung Association or a charity of choice will be appreciated.

Scotti Thompson is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193)