William D. Spates Sr.

1957 - 2015

William Dennis "Bill" Spates Sr., 58, of Clear Spring, died Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at his home, following a year-long battle with cancer.

Born January 23, 1957 in Olney, he was the son of the late Robert L. and Doris Gernand Spates.

He was the husband of Patricia Dodson Spates, and they would have celebrated their 37th anniversary in June.

Bill was a 1975 graduate of Linganore High School. He was a farmer in Mt. Airy for most of his adult life, and more recently was employed as a truck driver for Food Lion. He was a member of Locust Grove Church of the Brethren, Mt. Airy. He enjoyed gardening and working around his home and on old tractors and trucks.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are children, Rebekah Anne Spates, Mary Kathleen Spates and William Dennis Spates Jr., all of Clear Spring; Kimberly Ann Baker, whom he considered a daughter; brothers, Richard, Robert, Clarence and David Spates, all of Bonduel, WI; sisters, Barbara Roberts of Keedysville, Patricia Christianson of Lily, WI, Carol Knipp of Shawano, WI; father- and mother-in-law, Robert and Bonnie Dodson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Hartzler Funeral Home, 11802 Liberty Rd., Libertytown on Sunday, April 19 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

A funeral service will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at Locust Grove Church of the Brethren, 13356 Glissans Mill Rd., Mt. Airy. Rev. Greg Quintrell, his pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hartzlerfuneralhome.com.