Elbert Glenn Spivey

Elbert Glenn “Bill” Spivey January 25, 1936 – December 27, 2025

Elbert Glenn “Bill” Spivey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Bill was born on January 25, 1936, in Madison, Indiana, the son of Elbert Duncan Spivey and Eugnolia Ione (Wayman) Mitchell. Bill graduated from Madison High School, Class of 1954.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business from Hanover College and later attended Syracuse University for his master’s studies. Bill was proud to have served eight years in the United States Navy prior to retiring as a Lieutenant. His military career also included twelve years in the United States Air Force, as well as service in the Army National Guard. During his years of military service, Bill was honored with numerous awards, including the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, the Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Following his military service, he dedicated more than two decades to Army civil service, ultimately retiring from Fort Huachuca as a GM-13. While he received numerous civilian superior performance commendations in recognition of his dedication and excellence, his coworkers knew him just as well for his quick wit and sense of humor, which lightened the days of those who worked alongside him. Bill loved God, his wife, and his children. His level of faithfulness, commitment, and integrity was exemplary.

Bill was a member of Sierra Vista Lutheran Church for many years, where he faithfully taught Bible study and shared his deep love of God and learning with others. His courage in both living and dying was evidence of his strong belief in God's promise of eternal life.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 64 years, Ho Sun “Cookie” (Yi) Spivey. During their lives together, they raised three daughters, Lee Ann (husband John) Prillaman, Angela (husband Eric) Layden, and Marie Spivey (husband Freddie Roach). Bill was blessed with grandchildren: Gonzalo, Victoria, Adriana, Mason, Shay and Krystoffer; and great-grandchildren: Wren and Isabella. He is also survived by his brothers, Gary (wife Miriam) Spivey and Jeff Mitchell, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert Spivey and Eugnolia Mitchell; his stepfather, Albert Mitchell; and brothers, Kenneth and Richard Spivey.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Madison, Indiana.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elbert Glenn Spivey, please visit our floral store.