TRAVERSE CITY- William "Billy" Dennison Glaspie Jr., 62, of Traverse City and formerly of Waterford and Royal Oak, is finally at peace, fishing on the Manistee with his Dad and throwing the ball to his beloved dogs Blaze, Shiloh, Bear and Heidi. He died of PICK'S disease on Monday, August 3, 2020, at the Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City.

Billy was born at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak on Saturday, January 18, 1958, to William Dennison Sr. and Nancy Ann (Clemence) Glaspie. He attended Upton Elementary, Jane Addams Junior High and graduated from Clarence M. Kimball high School in 1976.

A dedicated hard worker and wonderful provider, Billy had many different jobs throughout his life, the last being a Fire and Water Restoration Specialist, a challenging job that gave him great pride. He was a scrappy hockey player from age five as a Mite (always #9 like his hero Gordie Howe!). His Dad sponsored the Power's Bike Shop teams on which Billy played in his early years. He later enthusiastically coached youth hockey and his son, Brad, as a goalie. He loved water skiing, trout fishing at the cabin on the Manistee River and playing golf. He always had a faithful, well-trained dog at his side! His great joy was his blue Jeep which he took on many crazy two-tracking adventures! When the early-onset dementia entered his life he moved to Traverse City to be closer to his Mom and sister, Jan. He had always dreamed of moving "Up North." Wishing it could've been under happier circumstances!

Billy is survived by his sons, Calvin (Cassie) Glaspie of Louisiana and Bradley (Nicole Wescott) Glaspie and their son, Jeramie of Wyoming, Michigan; his Mom, Nancy Glaspie of Traverse City; and his big sister, Jan (Scott) Baty, also of Traverse City; nieces, Allison (Nick) Hall and their kids, Hank, Elvis, Betty and Roxy of Traverse City, and Psaira (David) Dennison and their kids, Lula Mae Baty and Linus Birch, of Chiang Mai, Thailand. He is also survived by uncles, Jim (Marlin) Glaspie and Dick Clemence and many cousins and friends.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the Elm staff at the Grand Traverse Pavilions for the excellent care and loving friendship they provided for Billy throughout the five years he lived there. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation.

Always a kid at heart, Billy was a loving, kind, friendly, silly, generous man who strived to please, even as he struggled with his devastating disease. Please share your thoughts and memories with Billy's family by visiting his tribute page at http://www.reynoldsjonkhoff.com

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services, and is thankful for their grace and kindness.