Willie
Spoon, Lt. USN
submitted by various shipmates and
friends
 From
John Clear:
This morning [11/12/2002] at 0100, Willie Spoon, LT. USN Ret., our
Bremerton Base COB passed away... Willie had a long and illustrious
career of 23 years making his way up through the ranks from 1951 through
1974... To his wife, JoAnn and the rest of the family, please know that
our friend and shipmate Willie will be sorely missed by us all, his
humor and intelligence made an often insane world more bearable - Thanks
for your service Willie - hand salute!
From Patrick Householder:
Willie Spoon was very well known and very highly regarded in the Puget
Sound subvet community and elsewhere.
Although his departure on eternal patrol was not unexpected, it does
leave a hole in our hearts and big shoes to fill, for Willie was VERY
active in boosting the scholarship fund. He really believed in our need
to build the future through supporting the children.
You did good work, Willie. God bless you and rest easy in the arms of
our Lord. You stand relieved, shipmate. We've got the watch.
From Gil Shaddock:
Willie and I served together on the USS Hunley (AS-31). 'SAILOR, REST
YOUR OARS", and "Thank You" for your service.
From Tim Spoon:
HAND SALUTE!!!! I first met 'Uncle Willie' at the USSVI Convention in
Reno. He and I traded stories about the family name and after comparing
notes think our families, having both come out of Arkansas and North
Carolina, may be distantly related. Just not that many Spoons around.
I had hoped to see him again next year in Reno.
From Mike Hemming:
Some of us are saddened by the fact that those of us that met Willie
will not be able to see him again. Those of us that hadn't met him
are saddened that they will be unable to do so now. Hopefully there is a
Submariners Vahalla where we all will meet someday.
But until then, thank you for your service Willie
Spoon and may God lay his gentle hand on your family in this time of
sorrow.
Rest in Peace Sailor.
From Dex Armstrong:
It never ceases to amaze me how the passing of boatsailors you never had
the honor and pleasure of meeting makes you pause to reflect on the how
truly close the submarine community really is. As I read the tribute by
John Clear , I felt a kinship with this gentleman born of sharing damn
strong coffee and saltwater over the TBT with men who shared his dreams
and aspirations.
 We are all inseparably linked by common experience and
each submariner who draws orders for the Silver Pier leaves a void in
the hearts of those of us whose world could be reduced to the common
denominator of four battle lanterns, a trim pump and a damn good Diving
Officer.
Lt. Spoon, I hope that you, Old Gringo, Bob Harrison
and Marl Garlock get good Mid Rats tonight and can find one of those
wonderfully warm blankets they have up there...You'll need it if Saint
Peter comes through that Forward Engineroom Door, with two-to-four
engines on line. May God plot your course and keep you in his care.
From Fred Borgmann (USSVI National Office news
release):
It is with deep regret that I inform you that William T. Spoon of the
Bremerton Base passed away last night,0100 on 11/12/02, in his sleep
after a long battle with cancer. "Willy" Spoon was a long time
Life member of the USSVI and was responsible for creating the successful
Scholarship program of the Base. He is survived by his spouse, JoAnn who
resides in Silverdale WA.
Willy qualified on the Grouper SSK214, in 1954. He also served aboard
the Skate and Sculpin and just recently returned from the Skate reunion.
He will, indeed, be missed by his family and shipmates.
From Kirk Viestenz, MCPO Ret:
Last evening I heard of the passing of the "COB".
There have been many a dedicated Submarinerer; standing amongst them is WILLIE SPOON!!
God Bless Willy and his family!!
From Bob
Wonsley:
I first met Willie when I got involved with National politics of USSVI.
He never had a bad word about anyone, with his southern drawl he was a
most lovable person. He and his wife JoAnn always made me feel
welcome. Going to miss him, with that in mind I was going to call
him this weekend! Lesson to learn, do not hesitate for your
shipmate may not be here tomorrow.
God bless Willie, JoAnn and his family.
From Don “Red” Bassler:
I really only knew Willie well the last couple years but had been
badgered by him for active Bremerton Base membership and scholarship
participation for 10 years. Shame on me for not coming along sooner for
I certainly missed many years of friendship and watching a dedicated
individual improve the Bremerton Base. We all have lost a wonderful,
caring person.
From Carl Schmidt, Razorback Commander:
Willie I remember the fellowship and good time I spend with you
in Reno.
The Submarine Veterans of Arkansas will miss you. Rest your Oar.
From Fred Carlson ET1(SS): I first met Willie at the STR
(later renamed S1W) prototype in Idaho. He was going out with JoAnn and
I went out with her roommate. I didn't realize what a prize JoAnn had in
those days. Although Willie never was assigned to Nautilus, I still
consider him a true shipmate. I pray for the repose of your soul,
Willie; and I pray for JoAnn and all of your family. Fair winds,
following seas and God speed. You are missed.
The Memorial Service
The above photo was taken at the reception after Willie Spoon's
Memorial Service, Saturday, November 16, 2002. USSVI Bremerton Base Vice
Commander Bob Webster presented Willie's wife, JoAnn, with a plaque and
framed certificate from the base illustrating membership's high respect
for Willie and naming the base's annual scholarship drive as the
"Lt. William Spoon Memorial Scholarship"
USSVI Bremerton Base
Tribute
Please take a moment of silence to honor another of our fallen brothers.
Hand Salute,
Sailor rest your oars.
In loving memory of an honored shipmate
by his shipmates and friends
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