William E. Spears Jr.

ENOSBURG FALLS - William E. Spears, Jr., age 80, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at the Franklin County Rehab in St. Albans surrounded by the love of his family following a long illness.

Bill was the son of the late William E. Spears Sr. & Helen (Flanders) Spears and was born on July 20, 1945 in Hurlwood, TX while his father was serving in the military.

Bill has been a resident of Enosburg Falls most of his life. He graduated from Mount Assumption in Plattsburgh, NY in 1963 and from the New England Institute of Applied Arts & Sciences in Boston, MA in 1966 with a degree in mortuary science. After graduation he was employed by his grandfather & father at the Spears Funeral Home. In 1979 he purchased the funeral home and then in 1982 he built the funeral home in its present location. Bill retired in 2002 when he sold the funeral home to longtime employee, Tom Cook, and he sure made Bill proud. He was a former member and past president of the Vermont Funeral Directors Association. Bill was also a former member of the Vermont Army Nation Guard receiving his honorable discharge as 2nd Lieutenant and a member of the American Legion Post #42 of Enosburg Falls and he was a devoted Village Trustee for 15 years.

Bill took great pleasure in hunting and fishing with dear friends both locally and in Pennsylvania where he owned a hunting camp for many years. He also cherished all of his golf buddies both here and in Florida as well as his card playing companions "cronies" throughout the years including his daily legion crew and trips to the casino.

Written by Bill - "I was most enriched in life by having very special grandkids. They enjoyed spending time at the house; I loved having them around. They enjoyed hunting & fishing with me both here and at camp."

"Billy Buck" will be remembered most of all for his strength, courage and unwavering support, not only for his family, but his community as well. He was the toughest man we knew which was proven time and time again as he surpassed the nine lives of any cat.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Grant) Spears. Bill & Kathy were married on July 6, 1968. He is also survived by his children, Kim Lawyer and her husband Jeff, Jennifer Spears and her partner Tony Ovitt, Jodi Luten & Robyn Spears all of Enosburg Falls; his grandchildren, Aspen (Bill), Gage, Nick (Lindsey), Allie (Joseph), Noah (Nevaeh), Journi (Kelsey), Isaiah & Mallori; great grandchildren, Eli, Kayslee, Maven & Maeson as well two more on the way in December 2026 and January 2027; sisters, Pamela Dodge and her husband Clark and Patricia Stowe and her husband David; 3 nieces, Megan (Chase), Amber (Pete) & Autumn (Will) & Great Nephew Ellis.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the devoted and loving staff at Franklin County Rehab for making our father feel safe and cared for during his final months. He was fortunate to have received such wonderful care throughout, including many specialists at UVM and the top notch infusion center as well as Kate & team at the Enosburg Notch and so many others.

Friends & family are invited to Billy's life celebration on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 to include a memorial service starting at 4:00 PM followed by visitation until 7:00 PM at the Goss-Spears Life Celebration Home, 96 Dickinson Avenue, Enosburg Falls, VT.

For those who wish, contributions in Bill's memory may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery Association, C/O Donna Magnant, P.O. Box 575, Enosburg Falls, VT 05450 or to the Enosburgh Public Library, P.O. Box 206, Enosburg Falls, VT 05450.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com for Billy's family to cherish.