William Morris "Bill" Spiller

A Celebration of Life for William Morris “Bill” Spiller, 71, of Pollok will be held Saturday, May 13, 2017 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Lufkin VFW Post 1836. Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Mr. Spiller was born November 6, 1945 in Lufkin, Texas to Billie Jane (Burkett) and the late William Morris Spiller, and died Saturday, February 11, 2017 at his residence.

Mr. Spiller had resided in Lufkin all his life. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and was a Platoon Sergeant in the 9th Infantry Division. After being wounded three times, he was transferred to the 101st Airborne Division where he became a Helicopter Door Gunner. He was an exceptionally courageous and honorable soldier. His awards and decorations included the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Aviation Crew Member Wings, Bronze Star, three Purple Hearts, Air Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. After serving his country in the military, he was in Forestry Management for the United States Forest Service.

Survivors include his mother, Billie Jane (Burkett) Shotwell of Houston; sisters, Deborah Shotwell Dunaway and Georgia Shotwell Lester and husband “Gus” Lester, all of Houston; brothers, George Spiller of Pasadena and Ronald Spiller and wife Jennifer of Pearland; niece, Dawn Spiller of Pearland; and nephew, Bill Maddux of Lufkin.

He was preceded in death by his “Best Friend”, Homer, his golden retriever; father, William Morris Spiller; brother, Gregory Spiller; stepmother, Dawn Spiller; stepfather, George Stuart “Buddy” Shotwell; and brother-in-law, Jerrald Dunaway.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lufkin VFW Post 1836, P.O. Box 472, Lufkin, Texas 75902 or Wounded Warriors, 4889 Bellfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com .

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.