Dennis Wilson Spilman

Saratoga Springs -Dennis Wilson Spilman, 76, has joined his loved ones in Heaven after battling cancer on and off for over 35 years.Dennis is now happily reunited with his eldest daughter, Amy McDonald; older brothers, David Spilman and Allen Spilman; parents, Anne and Roy Spilman and nephew, Steven Spilman.Those who are already missing him on Earth are his daughters, Kelly (Neil Curry) Corby, Kerry (Brendan) McCann; his five beloved grandchildren, Kelsey, Haley, Aidan, Dylan and Wesley; brother, Paul (Joanne) Spilman; nieces, Leigh-Anne, Paula and Olivia Spilman, Sherri (Chris) Nettles and their children, Winter and Kate.Other surviving family includes his former wife (mother of his children and friend) Bobbi Lant; son and golf partner, Mike McDonald; Dennis's life partner, Dorothy Lysyczyn and her children, Craig, Katie (Seth) Bacon and her five grandsons, Lucas, Jacob, David, Jonathan and Liam.Dennis was born in Baltimore, Maryland and attended Northwood Elementary, Woodburn Junior High, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and the University of Maryland. In 1966, Dennis enlisted in the United States Air Force and trained at Homestead Air Force Base Technical School to be a Jet Engine Technician. During the Vietnam War, he was stationed in Taiwan, the Philippines and Tuy-Hoa, Vietnam. He returned home to be stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant and eventually settled in Saratoga in 1979.Dennis was the owner/operator of Superior Automotive since 1982. He developed thousands of loyal customers that spanned generations of families. Dennis was an instant friend, mentor, teacher and inspiration to everyone he met. He always made time to talk, to listen and to advise anyone who sought his humble wisdom. When he wasn't working on cars, Dennis enjoyed playing golf, volleyball, going camping and canoeing.Dennis devoted his time to the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church and United Methodist Men as well as Skye Farm Camp. Dennis took his family camping at Skye Farm every Memorial Day Weekend, a tradition that lasted over 40 years. Dennis volunteered much of his time at Skye Farm as a mechanic, a counselor, a site manager committee member, a carpenter; anything they needed, he was there.A service to celebrate his life will be held at 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 5th Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Family and friends may call from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm prior to the service at the church.In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dennis can be made to Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center, 1884 E Schroon River Rd, Warrensburg, NY 12885.For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com https://www.lastingmemories.com/dennis-wilson-spilman