In loving memory of my father, my friend, and my mentor. Your were a very special part of our lives. This disease has taken a very special part of our lives. Dad we miss you terribly. All our love, your family.

My Dad contracted NF after he bumped his elbow and a bruise developed. Within 48 hours he had enormous swelling and pain. We rushed him to the hospital on June 9th. He was admitted and five hours later emergency surgery was begun to attempt to save his arm and his life. He began to deteriorate rapidly and he was on life support for eight weeks. He lost the battle on July 21, 2003 after all of his organs failed and Dad passed away. He was in a lot of pain and it was not only physically draining, it was emotionally devastating to Dad and to all of us.

Published in the Asbury Park Press, July 23, 2003
BILLY SPENCER, 69, of POINT PLEASANT, died Monday, July 21, at Bayshore Community Hospital, Holmdel. He was vice president of Tandy Leather Co., Baltimore, since 1963 and more recently, he worked for Shaffer & Howard Co., Wilkesboro, N.C., retiring in 1979. Even though he was disabled, he was still a third degree "Black Belt" in Kenpo karate. His teacher was James Mintose, who was the 21st descendant of Kenpo karate. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Mesa, Ariz. Born in Romeo, Colo., he lived in Atlanta before moving to Point Pleasant nine months ago. Surviving are his former wife, Elsie Juanita Craig Spencer Parks of Roaring River, N.C.; two daughters, Billie Jo Spencer Ozmont of Wilkesboro, and Ruby Catherine Spencer Riley of Point Pleasant; and four grandchildren, Jason Lee Johnson, Cheryl Renee Riley, Melissa Lian Riley and Tommy Lee Ozmont. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Osbornville Baptist Church, 366 Drum Point Road, Brick. There will be no calling hours. Interment is private. Weatherhead Young Funeral Home, Brick, is in charge of arrangements.