William “Billy” E. Keyes, Sr., 83 of Spencer, died Monday, Feb. 19 at Southbridge Rehabilitation after an illness.

He leaves his wife of 61 years, Dorothy A. (Luszey) Keyes, his sons William E. Keyes, Jr. and his wife Pamela, and Kenneth M. Keyes and Althea Alpine all of Spencer, his grandsons Casey and Tyler Keyes, and Nicholas Thyden, brothers Stanley Keyes and his wife Cynthia of Princeton and Charlie Keyes and his wife Pauline of Spencer, sisters Gloria Vincovitch and her husband George of E. Brookfield and Diane Laythe of Spencer, a special sister-in-law, Ann Austin and her husband Harry, his brother -in-law Mike Luszey and his wife Mary Ann of Washington and many nieces and nephews.

Born in Worcester, he was the son of James and Anna (Derosier) Keyes. He served his country with the Army National Guard.

Billy was an amazing, kind hearted, hard working business man who always lived his life to the fullest. He was a loving family man who cherished life and was loved by so many. He was known and affectionately called “The little mayor of Spencer”; always generous and willing to help anyone in need. Billy will sadly be missed by all who knew him.

He started “Bill Keyes Asphalt Paving” in 1962 and worked six days a week to build the company into a thriving local business, before retiring in 2001.

Billy was a life time member of the Spencer Fish & Game Club, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #118 and a longtime mason, Spencer Lodge A.F. & A.M.

Billy loved his hunting trips to Maine with his sons and brothers, including Stanley, Charlie, and his brother-in-law, George. One special trip on Thanksgiving, he was accompanied by his two sons, grandsons; Nick, Tyler & Casey, his nephew John and his son Jonathan; the trip will be cherished forever. Even though the hunting trips were for the purpose of hunting deer, many times Billy would hunt for coffee shops instead. While the kids were hunting, he was enjoying coffee and donuts at the Dover-Foxcroft Cafe.

Billy looked forward to spending time n Florida, casino trips and golfing. He was an avid golfer and member of the former Massasoit Golf League.

The legacy of Billy’s kind spirit, passion for hunting, love of people and zest for life will live on through his sons and grandsons.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at the Summit Eldercare and especially to Billy’s nurse Lucille and to the nurses and caring staff, especially Crystal, as well as his buddy Peter at Southbridge Rehabilitation. Also, a special thank you to Mary from the V.N.A.

A Memorial Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church St., Spencer and burial to follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to William E. Keyes, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o D.P.H.S. Permanent Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 172, Spencer MA 01562.

J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer is directing arrangements for the family.