09/29/2025
🇺🇸 Honoring William H. Spencer (1898–1979) 🇺🇸
Our Post proudly remembers William H. Spencer, a World War I Navy veteran, community leader, and past Commander of our Post in 1964. Born on December 28, 1898, Mr. Spencer grew up in Virginia and answered his nation’s call during the First World War. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at Richmond on October 22, 1917, and trained at Hampton Roads before receiving orders to the U.S.S. Lakeside, a coal collier converted to troop transport duty.
While serving aboard the Lakeside, he witnessed the devastation of the Halifax Explosion, one of the most destructive events of its time. Later in his service, he battled tropical fever in Tampico, Mexico, and, after treatment at the Naval Hospital in Key West, took up duty at the Receiving Station there as coxswain in charge of Admiral Fletcher’s Barge. He finished his Navy career as a drill master at Hampton Roads, receiving his honorable release on August 6, 1919.
When the world was again at war, Mr. Spencer continued to serve as part of the Virginia Reserve Militia and as an Air Raid Warden during World War II. In civilian life, he built a respected career in the life insurance business and carried his spirit of service into veterans’ causes. His leadership was recognized when he was elected Commander of our VFW Post in 1964, where he worked tirelessly on behalf of his fellow veterans.
William H. Spencer passed away on November 13, 1979, at the age of 80, and rests at Scottsville Cemetery. His life of service, resilience, and community leadership continues to inspire us today.
🕯️ Fair winds and following seas, Shipmate. We remember you.
