William Charles Spilman

It was last Sunday November 6th, before 7 a.m. that Craig called me with the news of Bill’s home going. It was surreal. It was unbelievable, but believable. My mind didn’t race. It went “quiet,” “deep,” “silent.” Somewhat shocked and numbed, to be sure. But I had the immediate realization that it was Bill’s time. And it was God’s decision in the matter. Life and death are firmly in God’s hands. Certainly a life like Mr. Bill’s. And I, like Bill, because we discussed it many times, believed that “God’s plans for us are better than our plans for us.” “God’s judgments are true and altogether righteous, as the Scriptures say.

I’m not going to lie. I did feel a sense of remorse--more like pre-morse, if that’s a word? I would have liked more friendship and kingdom time with Mr. Bill. But his race is run--his victory won.

After a considerable time of driving with the family, I broke the silence... “He was such a servant!” “A suffering servant ... much like our Lord.

When I think of Bill I think of things like SERVANT, KINGDOM MAN, REAL, HUMBLE, & GENEROUS.

His primary spiritual gift had to be “service.” And his use of that gift is legendary! :) To his family, friends, church community, boy scouts, the poor and disadvantaged. How many here have enjoyed food prepared by Mr. Bill? Or been served by him?

Real. Bill was so “REAL.” I never saw him or heard his unique voice that I didn’t smile--my lips and my heart. You didn’t know what was coming--but you knew it was going to be funny, insightful, and REAL. Real honest.

I’ll throw REAL and HUMBLE together, and tell you two quick stories. When I first met Bill in the early 80’s, we drove to Siloam Springs together for a Baptist Men’s Retreat in his old, beat-up pick up truck. I was new to the church and he was giving me advice coming back down the hill after our brother/bonding time. He was encouraging me to serve and get involved, but added, “Now I’m gonna warn ya--they’ll work a good horse to death!” I knew immediately he cared about the kingdom, the sheep, but also about me.

In our recent season of life, Bill and I walked at Marvin Altman, the ABF trails, and Creekmore Park. We prayed, laughed, counseled each other, and shared our lives. For one long stretch we were accountability parters, trying to improve our diet and eating habits. Many funny stories there. :)

He was a SERVANT. He was REAL. He was HUMBLE. He was GENEROUS. And he was a KINGDOM MAN.

A couple stories to illustrate his generosity and kingdom mindedness, and I’m finished. I just heard this story a couple days ago and it happened just weeks ago. Bill came to the home of a young man who was going on a mission. Bill in his scrubs, after work, encouraged him with prayers and wisdom and gave him $500. Bill was generous with his time, life, and money--whatever he had. Bill left everything on the playing field--the playing field of life. More than perhaps anyone I’ve known.

Kingdom minded? Well everything about this celebration speaks to Bill’s love for the King and the Kingdom.

His love for children and the disadvantaged is demonstrated by his long and strong support for Matthew 18 summer camps and foster kids. His love for missions, and especially Vietnam, is illustrated a number of ways. You’ve heard “my Asian son” as Bill liked to call Trung, speak. He had Korean and Armenian sons as well.

If Bill’s sudden departure says anything to me, it’s “don’t delay in starting to do the important things.” Living your life with the LORD, and for others. Storing up for yourself treasure in heaven, like Bill did!

I can hear Jesus words to Peter, and Christians through the centuries, “If you love me, feed my sheep.” Mr. Bill did. Both!

I can hear Jesus future words to Bill, perhaps already voiced... “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

I love you Bill and so look forward to eternity with you; laughing, amazed, enjoying our God, our families, and our community of friends... forever.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift, Jesus Christ. And thanks be to God also for the gift to us all that was Mr. Bill, Brother Bill, William Charles Spilman.

We love you Bill and will see you soon! :)

[Dwayne's Remarks at Mr. Bill's home going celebration!]