of Maumelle, AR
December 27, 1938 - November 10, 2023
Bill Spalding, 84, of Maumelle passed peacefully in his sleep on November 10, 2023. He was born on December 27, 1938 to Willie and Helen Spalding in Oilton, OK. Bill lived life to the fullest. People always asked him why he didn't retire. His response was, ''I don't play tennis or golf. What would I do?''. He lived the last year of his life on borrowed time as he almost died last December. He was kept alive by his determination and the idea that he would live forever. Just last week he was making plans to travel across Europe. He was a successful business man and proud historian, receiving a full scholarship to college by winning a radio quiz show. He wanted to die in a blaze of glory, preferable in battle. He envisioned himself as a fighter pilot crashing his plane into the enemy ship. His burial request was for a Viking funeral with his possessions set ablaze with him. Cremation is as close as we can get. Bill was a unique individual and he will be missed.
Bill is preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Rosemary Spalding. Bill is survived by his children, Edwin Spalding, Cherie Somerson and four grandchildren.
In Lieu of flowers, please send memorials in Bill's name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. https://t2t.org/ (https://t2t.org/)
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10 Condolence(s)
Ariel
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Bill was the only steady part in my life for many years. My son and I miss him dearly. He always talked about how much he loved his family and how lucky he was to have good friends around him when he needed them.
Michael Graves
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Bill was a long time member of the Little Rock Ski Club and his humor and presence and contributions to our community will be missed.
Judy Krum
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Mr.Spalding…aka…”Papa Bear” was a caring and very kind hearted man. I have many wonderful and cherished memories of him. He will be dearly missed. My prayers and condolences to Papa Bears loved ones!!!
Tony Pruett
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Bill was a wonderful caring man. He will be missed by so many.
Linda Bell
Friday, November 17, 2023
Bill was a very interesting person. He was a member of Re-Questors class at the UUCLR and offered many insightful comments to our Sunday morning discussions. He was financial advisor to me and my daughter, and a good friend to our deceased loved one, Ann Link, He will be missed.
Carol Knipscheer
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Bill reached out to welcome Henk and me to Maumelle not long after we moved here. Over the years, the three of us had dinners together and watched a lot of football and basketball. He and I shared an interest in history and were both fans of the NTGEO, TRV, HIST, and DISC channels. Bill loved to tell stories, often about growing up in Oklahoma. He was proud of his kids, in-laws, and grandkids and was looking forward to spending the holidays with them in Atlanta. Bill was a well-read and curious guy, and a dreamer at heart. We'll miss him.
Henk Knipscheer
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Bill liked to travel. One of his favorite trips was as a volunteer expert for Winrock International to Russia (Vladivostok). Being retired from Winrock he liked to talk with me as I reminded him of that adventure. Bill and I were both members of Rotary and joined each other going out to movies, and watching football games on TV. He was a great friend.
Todd Pace
Thursday, November 16, 2023
From everyone at Woodbury Financial Services, it's been a pleasure working with Bill over the years. Truly Bill enjoyed helping his clients succeed financially. Thank you sir for all that you did in partnership with our firm.
Todd Pace, TVP
William Lamb
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Sorry for the families loss. Bill was a valued member of the Maumelle Rotary.
Sylvia Zickel
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
He was a big part of my life for many years. He was a complicated, unique man and I will miss him.
My condolences to all the family.