Willie Lee (King) Spencer, 89, of Niles, died peacefully July 26, 2025 in the comfort of his family’s presence. His life began November 30, 1935 in Oceola, Arkansas the first of twelve born to Ebenezer Spencer and Leoma Davis. He married Marth Suggs in Niles, on September 9, 1956.
Willie was a hard worker from childhood. He had many jobs over time, including, factory work, building/restoring homes, drywall, barbeque chef, working as a mechanic, running desert tours to Las Vegas, and installing water softeners for Champion Water Softener, all over the area. One of his most precious projects, was renovating the historic Suggs home in Vandalia. Willie spent many years on the Clark Equipment Buchanan Bowling league, where he won many trophies. Wille traveled with Martha while they worked on family history. He loved driving all over the country, even when he could only use one hand. His last drive was when he drove himself to the hospital on July 26, 2025. Willie and Martha had been together since they were children, spending every day together for over seventy years. Together they worked festivals, fairs, home health care and security. Together they were the perfect team.
Willie will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Martha Spencer, of Niles; two daughters, Linda Gordon, Brenda Spencer; seven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; three sisters, Lucinda Patrick, Pauline James, Ruth Scott; three brothers, Charles James, Charlie James, Johnny James and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings; Joe James, Willie James, Ebenezer Spencer, Willie James Jr. and Henry Anderson.
Willie will be laid to rest in a private ceremony in Bogue Street Memorial Garden in Vandalia.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.
Posted On: Friday, August 1, 2025 12:14 PM
