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William Spencer Gregory (74), of Manteo, NC, passed away on June 16th, 2025, at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center in Virginia, after suffering a stroke at his home on Roanoke Island.

Most would know him by Spencer or Spence. Born in Fort Worth, TX, on June 11th, 1951, he lived in Pennsylvania and New York City for many years before settling on the Outer Banks in the 1990s.

A self-employed craftsman for most of his life, Spencer was a cabinet maker in NYC, an excellent carpenter, and a true jack-of-all-trades. He once made a custom one-way door for a family of squirrels so that, as they grew up and moved out of his attic, they could not return.

Throughout his life, he purchased and completed mostly solo renovations on half a dozen homes. He wouldn’t say no to an IPA or a German Pilsner and would often exclaim loudly at any opportunity, “Wunderbar!” This fit his easy-going, go-with-the-flow vibe.

He was an avid surfer well into his 60s, a grill master (charcoal, no lighter fluid), a lover of loud jazz music, and a seasonal seafood connoisseur. He was also a beautiful painter of oil-based abstract paintings and a devoted caretaker of those he loved.

Spencer’s heart was always with the environment and the local community. He volunteered for years at Goodwill and thrift stores. A lover of nature, he enjoyed long walks along the ocean or through the woods, often picking up trash along the way. His opinions were strong, and he never backed down from a political debate.

His greatest passion in life was his art. Using oil-based paints and working mostly on wood and canvas, he created wonderful works of art, blending colors in beautiful ways. His work was shown in galleries in and around New York City.

Spencer is survived by his dear friend Gretchen Keitler of Pennsylvania and Susan Kuney of Manteo, NC, along with Susan’s children and grandchildren, and many friends he made along the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Spencer Gregory Sr. and Ruth Calloway Gregory, and his sister Monica Delamater.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to the ASPCA.

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