Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

July 26, 2026

William Spier, Jr. (Bill) entered into the more immediate presence of his Lord and Savior on July 26, 2026 at the age of 92. He was born on May 29, 1934 in West Point, GA to loving parents, Willie Spier and Elsie Davidson Spier. He was a gifted athlete and lifelong sports fan. While attending West Point High School, Bill was a member of the football and baseball teams, winning two state championships in football and two state championships in baseball. He was named to All State teams in both sports.  Injuries from football prevented his playing beyond the Jr. College level. Although Bill never lived in West Point as an adult, he maintained lifelong friendships with classmates and teammates.

Bill was a graduate of Oxford College and the University of Georgia where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He first met Phyllis (Lee) of Albany, GA on a blind date in 1954 for the UGA v Georgia Tech football game. After almost four years of dating, they were married in 1958. Bill and Phyllis were blessed with 65 wonderful years of marriage before her death in 2023. He was a proud army veteran having served most of his time at the Army Chemical Center. Bill began a 50-year career in the industrial chemical business in Wilmington, DE. 

Their membership at Myers Park Methodist Church and the Wesley Class was so meaningful to both Phyllis and Bill. Both served on numerous commissions, care teams, and both were Stephen Ministers. 

He was a past president of the Carolina’s Textile Club, Carolina’s Chemical Sales Club, a Mason (Excelsior Lodge), Shriner (Oasis Temple), twice Myers Park Country Club board member and officer where he spent many happy hours on the golf course with friends and his daughter and grandsons at the pool. Bill often entertained the young members and frightened the older ones as the only person to ever perform a “spank the baby” off the high board. 

Many happy hours with family and friends were spent at their vacation home in Holden Beach, NC where he felt closest to God when fishing alone on the ocean at sunrise or during a night of stargazing. He felt their lives were blessed and was always driven by the need to give back. When he and Phyllis were in their 70s, they started a food ministry at Holden Beach of collecting unopened food from departing vacationers and distributing it to needy families in Brunswick County. The concept initially spread up and down the Carolinas coasts, then into many other vacation areas throughout the country. They named their ministry “A Second Helping,” which he said God whispered in his ear. 

Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife, Phyllis and his sister, Dorothy Spier Bernstein. He is survived by his loving daughter, Fran Spier Saylor and son-in-law, Scott Martin Saylor, devoted grandsons Adam William Saylor and his wife, Bettina Roden Saylor and Hartman Lee Saylor and his wife Charlotte Jones Saylor, two great-grandchildren, Emmanuel Roden Saylor and Scarlett Elizabeth Saylor, and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. 

The Saylor Family is especially grateful for the wonderful CNAs and staff at The Cypress who have helped care for our father and grandfather over the past several years. Many helped care for our mother and grandmother as well. Words cannot fully express our depth of gratitude for their love, compassion, and tender care for our dear ones.

Bill was a generous soul and supported many organizations with his gifts of time, talent, and treasure. He was especially supportive of organizations that provided hunger relief, helped children, and benefited veterans. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Crisis Assistance Ministry of Charlotte, Be Loud Sophie Foundation, Myers Park United Methodist Church, or Shriners Children’s Hospital. 

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Myers Park United Methodist Church on August 15, 2026 at 2:00. The family will receive friends in Jubilee Hall following the service.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral and Cremation Service, 1321 Berkley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204. The service will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.