Billy Frank Spencer

Billy Frank Spencer, 81, of Abilene, TX went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 21, 2021.

Bill was born to the late Frank Pleasant Spencer and Helen Lucille Neeb Spencer in Coleman, TX, on July 21, 1940.  Bill lived in Cross Plains, TX, graduating from Cross Plains HS in 1958.  Bill attended McMurry University, supporting the Indians as a member of the McMurry Band where he met the love of his life, Sara Jo Edwards.  He received a Bachelor of Arts from McMurry University in 1962. 

Bill and Sara were married in Clarksville, TX on June 30, 1962, and were blessed with 58 years together, and three beautiful children, Robbie, Paula and Eddie.

He began his teaching career in Friona, TX as the Junior High Band Director for Friona ISD for two years.  After moving back to Abilene he began teaching in Abilene ISD where he was the Band Director at Mann Junior High School and Abilene High School.  He retired from teaching in 1980 and began a successful insurance career with Millerman and Millerman and later, Franklin Life Insurance Company.  In addition to selling insurance, in 1997 he resumed his teaching career, where he had the opportunity to teach with his daughter for 22 years at Franklin and Madison Middle Schools in Abilene ISD.  He was a past member of the Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Educators Association and Phi Beta Mu.

Bill loved spending time with family and friends.  He enjoyed being at the family farm, driving his Model A in local parades, golfing, hunting and drinking coffee with his buddies at “The Store” (Caldwell Music), attending concerts, sporting events, dance recitals and school activities of his sweet grandchildren.  He will always be remembered for his quick wit and great sense of humor.  Bill leaves behind a rich legacy both with family, friends and students. 

He will be lovingly remembered by his three children:  son, Robert (Linda) Spencer of Abilene;  daughter, Paula (Stacey) McGrew of Abilene; son, Edward (Allison) Spencer of Abilene; grandchildren Nathan (Andrea) Russell, Marcus (Kristian) Spencer, Neal (Liis) Spencer, Lauren Kate McGrew, Blaine Spencer, and Luke McGrew; great-grandchildren Samuel, Benjamin, Haven, Lily, Andrew and Jonathan; nephews David (Glenda) Jefferies, Spencer (Candace) Jefferies, Kirk (Ann) Jefferies, Robert T. Edwards III, Mac (Courtney) Edwards and niece Tamara (Jonathan) Baker; brother in-law, John (Jeanell) Edwards, Betty Edwards, numerous cousins and his beloved Schnauzer, Cookie.  He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Sara, his sister, Rosemary Jefferies, his brothers-in-law Robert T. Edwards II and H.R. Jefferies. 

Bill’s life will be celebrated on December 28, 2021, at 2:00 pm during a memorial service at First Baptist Church Abilene.  A private family burial will be held at Ross Cemetery, Baird, Texas.  Due to Covid-19, masks and social distancing will be suggested as a precautionary measure.  The family graciously asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the McMurry University Band or Hendrick Hospice Care.

The family would also like to thank Willow Springs Nursing Center and Hendrick Hospice Care for their dedicated service and care of our loved one.