SPELL, William Henry, of Richmond, Va., died peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2009, surrounded by his four favorite girls. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Cary; his three daughters, Ashley Wilbrooks Spell and her husband, Chris Einolf, Elizabeth Langsford Spell and Molly Randolph Spell; his parents, Bill and Helen Spell; his sister, Susie and her husband, Dale Abrahamson; and his grandchildren, Beatrice Catherine Spell and Henry Asher Spell. Bill was an honors graduate of the University of Georgia and served his country as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He moved to Richmond in 1978 to practice landscape architecture with the firm of Higgins and Associates, and left 12 years ago to form his own company, William H. Spell, LLC. Bill leaves a living legacy that can be found all around us, in both public and residential design. While his classic designs will long serve as a monument to his creativity, Bill was all about people, and those are bonds that can never be broken. Bill gave generously to others, serving his state, city, schools and golf community. He adored his woody plants, was gifted at teaching and mentoring, and found joy in playing the piano for his family. A memorial service will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 20. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to St. Stephen's Church or Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
