William D. "Bill" Lett

William D. "Bill" Lett, 77, AKA "The Mayor of South Street," passed away November 12, 2022. A longtime resident of South Charleston, Bill was the son of the late Rev. Dave and Avalee Lett. He was also preceded in death by sister and brother-in-law Ruth Ann and Richard Swanson, and in-laws Douglas and Rose Spaulding.

Survivors include Bill's devoted wife of 54 years, Elaine Spaulding Lett, and son, Kristopher, (He was a wonderful, loving husband and father.); sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie and Jerry Ledson of Myrtle Beach, SC, (If her stare would not suffice, a swift fist from Marjorie made any bully think twice! She let it be known, when you step up to Billy, you best be real nice.); The family that became his even before he married Elaine, brother-in-law and wife, Douglas C. Spaulding II and wife Linda of Scott Depot, WV, and sister-in-law and husband, Pamela and Dana Gibeaut of Poca, (All shared a deep love and admiration for one another.); To say Bill adored his nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews is an understatement. They loved, adored, and respected their Uncle Billy and were saddened to lose him. Amy and Johnny, Lisa, Mary, Ayden, and Makenzie were real lights in his life. Happy moments and long talks to impart his wisdom, (whether they wanted to listen or not!) took place a lot on the back porch. He was so amazing! A brilliant mind, ever ready to take on any task, understand any problem and find the solution. Tenacious and self-reliant, Bill Lett would not stop until the job was done and done well.

Of course, Bill was helped by many dear friends in his work throughout the years, and so very grateful for their love and support. They just had to be able to keep up with him. It took roughly 30 minutes to get from the plant to the house and eat a peanut butter/honey sandwich. After that, he was back at it, ever eager to start in on the project of the day. Whether working on his home, a family member or a friend's- there was always a project. All can look around to see one of Bill Lett's jobs well done. Any day he could stand on his own two feet, he needed to accomplish at task, it made him feel whole. He often commented on an elderly neighbor who had passed away cutting his grass, "That's the way to go."

Upon entering heaven, there was surely a golf game with dear buddies Papa Joe and Pete. Whenever he found Johnny, wild stories and laughter soon would abound. What a great day for him!

Bill was a proud "Dot" from Poca High. Each out-of-town band trip had its own story to remember. He attended WVIT and graduated from WV State. In high school his escapades usually involved lifelong friend Danny Ingram. In college, he was fortunate to cross paths with artistic soulmate and confidant Ron McCracken. He truly loved both of these dear friends.

Bill retired from Monsanto/Flexsys. He was a chemical operator, but the job he relished was "in house" video production guru. It fulfilled his creative side and he loved it.

He coached baseball for years with South Charleston Little League. He was past president of WVMHCA. Coaching people in public speaking skills was another passion.

Thank you to his high school buddies that met at Tudors. His spirits were always lifted. He was upbeat on the ride home and the rest of the day.

Thank you to his pals in Dunbar! Each of you meant so much to him.

Remember the classics- "Don't cause another harm, and help at least one person each day. You will be all right." And "If you look back and have not left an imprint in the sand, you might question what purpose you had to be here at all."

He definitely left a large imprint and couldn't have done it without you.

There will be no service or memorial at this time. In the Spring we will have a celebration of his life well lived.

Kris and Elaine are grateful for each and every one of you. All our family and friends, he loved you all.

You may send condolences to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, WV, has been entrusted with arrangements.