William Reginald Spokes of Bradenton, FL passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 6, 2026, with the love of his life holding his hand, head resting on his shoulder and surrounded by his children. He was 87. He had a huge heart that reached out into the world with outstretched arms ready to welcome you into his embrace. He was a strong man, a man of principle, honor, and integrity mixed with a soft, gentle tenderness that made sharing life with him a pure gift.
Bill’s story began in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, where he was born on December 7th, 1939, to Malcolm and Mae Violet Mackenzie of Cardigan, PEI, who were first generation immigrants to PEI from the Isle of Sky in Scotland. His name was Edward and he was the sixth of nine children. Tragedy came to his family at a very young age. His mother and twin babies died during childbirth. In need of help to take care of seven children, his father Malcolm sent some children to family and others to the orphanage in Charlottetown, which is where Bill was adopted at age 4 by Raymond and Elizabeth Spokes of Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Bill had a boyish upbringing during which he played hockey and occasionally stirred up some trouble like shooting out streetlights with a BB gun or turning back the school clock in the principal’s office. Despite his shenanigans, he graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1958 and earned a degree in History and Economics from Olivet College in 1963. After college, he built a long and successful career in the banking industry, specifically commercial lending, on the corner of Main St. and E. Huron St. in downtown Ann Arbor. Banking enabled Bill to share his big heart with his customers as he learned about their dreams and looked for ways to secure the capital necessary to make those dreams a reality. He loved listening deeply, meeting customers where they were, and helping them get to where they wanted to go.
In 1981 Bill married the love of his life, Terry (Peace) of Dexter, Michigan. They built a rich, welcoming, and adventurous life together full of family, friends, and laughter. He loved being outdoors whether it was working in his yard, hunting, snowmobiling, or boating. He especially loved cheering on his kids in whatever they were doing. He was always their number one fan.
When he retired in 1994, Bill and Terry moved to Bradenton, FL where they built rich friendships and lasting memories playing golf at Bradenton Country Club and exploring the Gulf Coast, the Keys, and the Bahamas on their boat. Bill lived to bring joy and delight to the people he loved, and so “Billy Land” was born, a term used by friends and family for a visit to Bill and Terry’s and the adventures they were sure to enjoy. He greeted everyone he loved the same way — wide smile, outstretched hand, and those two words: “Hey baby.” At the center of everything was Terry — his wife, the love of his life. With her own quiet strength and tender care, she made him feel secure, loved, and treasured.
He is survived by his beloved wife Terry, and his children Will (Megan) Spokes, Cindi (Dennis) Phillips, and Travis (Shelly) Gainsley; and nine grandchildren: Lucas, Ethan, and Dani Gregory; Liam, Elliott, Henry, and Oliver Spokes; and Molly and Hannah Bisbee.
He was above all an honorable man who showed up no matter what. He didn’t shirk from the hard thing and handled disappointment and loss with grace and genuine kindness. If he could make your life better, he spared no amount of e ort or expense to do what he could. He was one of the good ones and he will be deeply missed.
There will be no memorial service or viewing.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory,43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
