William A. Speicher, Jr.

On the afternoon of June 25, 2024, at his home, William A. Speicher Jr, affectionately referred to as “Bill”, shed his earthly burdens and entered the Kingdom of Heaven where he was no doubt greeted joyously by his father, William, Sr., his mother, Minnie Rose, sister, Pamela, as well as numerous others who so positively impacted his life. While the family he leaves behind grieves beyond measure, we take comfort in the fact that he is in their loving arms once again. He is survived by his wife, Susan, children, Stephanie, Geoffrey (Lori), John, and Andrew, sister, Suzanne Mantell (Cary), as well as the grandchildren that he adored so intensely, Caroline, Connor, and Collin. They adored him back with equal affection. 

Bill was born on November 2, 1946, in Louisville but raised in Elizabethtown. He attended Elizabethtown Catholic High School where he had numerous friends and excelled in all things math. After graduating in 1964, he went on to receive a BS in chemistry from the University of Kentucky in 1968. 

Bill went on to marry Susan, the love of his life and his very best friend, on May 8, 1971. They were married 53 years. Together, they built a beautiful life and a loving home for their four children. 

Known by everyone around him as brilliant in sciences, he launched a successful career that spanned chemistry and operations management at Philip Morris. After taking early retirement in 1998, he continued to take great joy in life and his family until he realized after several years that he wasn’t one to just sit around. He began doing the thing he truly loved: teaching students at the Christian Educational Consortium his love of chemistry and physics and other advanced sciences. He also served as their Athletic Director where he successfully scaled several programs that were previously nonexistent.

Bill traveled the world with Susan, during his time at Philip Morris and had so many stories to share from this time. He had the pleasure of driving his children to and from work where he had wonderful conversations. Bill enjoyed cooking, grilling and going to dinner with his family. He was known to make enough food to feed an army, especially for Sunday dinners. He loved all things UK sports, enjoying tailgating for UK football games and he recently attended basketball games with his family. He was an avid Disney World fan and enjoyed going on Disney Cruises. He treated his family to the most extravagant vacations and loved every second of spoiling his grandkids while on these trips, whether that be buying them things or experiences, but really it was the time with his family that he desired and treasured. He attended every sporting/school event of his grandkids that he could, which was most of them. He was so proud of them. He was a lover of all holidays, especially Christmas. He was a big kid and loved finding the perfect, most thoughtful gifts for all! Any event or gathering, he was sure to make it extra special, memorable, and maybe even a little over the top. Bill took meticulous care of his home, yard, and pool and especially loved decorating for Christmas. He loved being a host at his home. Bill was able to go on a cruise with his entire family the week prior to his passing- what a blessing this special time was. Bill loved his family and always showed up. 

Funeral services will take place at Newcomer Funeral Home at 235 Juneau Dr. on Tuesday, July 2. Visitation will commence at 10:00 a.m. with a service at 1:00 p.m. and internment to follow at Calvary Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bill’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider support to the Christian Educational Consortium, 331 S. Birchwood, Louisville, KY 40206 .