William "Winnie" F. Spence

Winnie passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2015. He was born on April 7, 1927. He was a dedicated volunteer for many decades with Special Olympics Delaware, DFRC Hand in Hand program and a member of the Wilmington Manor Lions Club. Winnie retired from the Red Clay School District.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara Spence and his three children and spouses Sandra Spence, Cathy and Jerry Blanco and Randy and Vicki Spence. He has 8 grandchildren and 3 great children.

Winnie was dedicated to service for others and was considered the “Torch Master” while supporting the law enforcement torch run for 20 years with Special Olympics Delaware. He coached numerous special athletes in various sports and participated in planning and coordinating frequent events. He was an active participant in the Winter Polar Bear Plunge each year, including this past year at the age of 87. Winnie also rappelled 17 stories from a building at age 85 in support of Special Olympics. Winnie and his wife Barbara were the first inductees into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame.

During his long service with the Lion’s Club he traveled the state making presentations to numerous clubs and organizations in support of charitable contributions.

He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend that enjoyed family activities, many summers at the Delaware beach, hunting and fishing.

Family and Friends are invited to attend the viewing at Doherty Funeral Homes on Wednesday evening between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Services will be at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Special Olympics Delaware at 619 South College Avenue, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716-1901.

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