William "Bill" B. Spencer

William “Bill” Blanchard Spencer, 71, of Littleton, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully at his home on February 24, 2024 surrounded by his family. Bill was born on May 19, 1952, in Portland, ME, the son of John and Ruth Spencer.

Bill grew up in Littleton, New Hampshire. He graduated from Littleton High School in 1970 and married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Tilton, in 1972. They raised their family in Littleton and celebrated nearly 52 years of marriage. Over the years, Bill and Nancy welcomed three children, Jonathan in 1972, Cyndee in 1977, and Jason in 1987.

Bill attended the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Boston, MA. He  often traveled home on weekends to be with his young family and to work in the family pharmacy, Spencer Drug Co., fondly nicknamed by the family as “The Store” which opened in 1921 by Bill's great grandfather, William Clesson Spencer. Upon his college graduation Bill became a registered pharmacist making him the 4th generation and fifth pharmacist in the Spencer family.

Bill's legacy as the fourth-generation pharmacist of Spencer Drug, Co. was not just professional; it was deeply personal. He tirelessly devoted over 40 years to the family business fostering a sense of pride and tradition that resonated with the community. Bill proudly worked side by side with his father, John, his grandfather, Clesson, and his great-uncle, Eban. As his own children grew, Bill welcomed each of them into the store while teaching them how to make change, work the soda fountain, stock shelves, and wait on customers with a smile. Spencer Drug was a tremendous source of pride for Bill and being able to share this legacy with his children meant the world to him.

Bill happily and proudly kept Spencer Drug, Co. operating until its closing in 2008. At that time he went to work for Walgreens for ten years and eventually for North Country Pharmacy until his retirement on his 70th birthday, May 19th, 2022. Bill was a registered pharmacist for 47 years. His dedication to his craft and his customers has left an indelible mark on the community he served.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Bill found solace and joy at the Spencer family hunting camp in Whitefield, NH. “Camp” was a place of cherished memories and treasured moments shared with family and friends. Bill enjoyed spending his Sunday afternoons walking the trail through the woods carrying his pack basket full of lunch and dinner provisions, watching the family dogs and kids running free, target shooting, and having extended conversations around the table on any topics ranging from the weather, current affairs, needed camp repairs, and plans for a future addition. Bill cherished every opportunity he got to spend at camp with loved ones.

Bill was a lifelong and skilled trombone player. Starting with high school band, jazz band and marching band experience, Bill later enjoyed playing with Jon and Cyndee in their high school bands when an extra trombone player was needed. Bill made many friendships when he was a member of the Whitefield Town Band and the Berlin Jazz Band. Bill also loved to cook, trying any new recipe he could find or make up. Most of his recipes were a delicious success and some needed more work, but he always loved creating and sharing meals with his family and friends. To go along with his love for cooking and trying new recipes, Bill had a recurring love-hate relationship with his tomato garden every year. With great determination, he never gave up on his quest to grow the perfect tomato!

Bill loved watching his children and grandchildren grow, explore and strike out on their own. No matter what their adventures or locations in the world, Bill enjoyed hearing all of their updates and was tremendously proud of his children and grandchildren. Bill took every opportunity he had to be at games, concerts, and plays his children and grandchildren were in. Bill, known as “Grampy Bill” to his grands, was a gentle guide and enjoyed teaching his younger generations about the important things in life, using the lessons he had learned at The  Store and at Camp as his most successful tools to do so.

In every aspect of his life, Bill's love and generosity knew no bounds. For those who knew him, Bill had a kind and unforgettable selfless spirit. With his gentle and caring demeanor, he went out of his way to help anyone who crossed his path without ever asking for thanks or recognition in return.  Spanning his lifetime, Bill's kindness and selflessness touched countless lives, leaving an enduring legacy of compassion and care. His gentle spirit and unwavering support were a beacon of light for those in need and his presence brought unconditional warmth and comfort to all who knew him.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth Spencer.

Bill is survived by his wife, Nancy Tilton Spencer, and his three children: Jonathan, his wife Carol and their two children: Alex and Katie; Cyndee, her husband Jon Baker and their four children: Allie, Ian, Wilson, and Spencer; and Jason, his wife Courtney and their daughter, Ginny. Bill is also survived by his brother, Bob, his wife Lori and their three children: Lindsey, Tom and Cassie; and his sister Shelley, her husband Wayne Fillion and their two daughters: Leslie and Sarah.

A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Littleton, NH on March 9, 2024, Saturday, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Phil Polhemus and Rev. Art Savage officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend a reception at the church immediately following the service. The Spencer family will have a private burial at Glenwood Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Littleton First United Methodist Church, “Camp Wanakee Fund," 18 Main Street, Littleton, NH 03561 to help send children to summer camp. Bill’s family thanks you very much.