William Grady Templeton, Jr.

William “Spanky” Grady Templeton Jr., 68, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, gained his wings on Monday, May 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born August 16, 1957, Spanky was the beloved son of William Grady Templeton Sr. and Margaret Wyatt Templeton. He carried a spirit that drew people in—kindhearted and full of character.

Throughout his life, Spanky worked hard and wore many hats, bringing dedication and pride to every job he held. He served in multiple positions at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, spent time on the road as an over-the-road truck driver, led crews for the City of Winston-Salem, and later worked with Central Parking—always dependable, always willing to lend a hand. He also spent several years as a volunteer firefighter, answering the call to serve his community with courage and compassion.

He was also a lifelong learner who proved that it’s never too late to accomplish a goal. After returning to classes at Forsyth Tech, he proudly earned his high school diploma in 1990. In the years that followed, he devoted himself to caring for his parents, giving back with the same love and loyalty they had always shown him.

Spanky found joy in the things that made life feel wide open—riding motorcycles, spending time at the beach, and building impressive collections of all kinds. He especially loved operating R/C planes, helicopters, drones, cars, and trucks, and he could happily lose an afternoon fine-tuning and tinkering with the things he enjoyed most.

Some of his favorite moments were the simple ones—fishing and shooting guns alongside his son, Travis, and making memories that will be carried forward for generations. Above all, Spanky loved spending time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Grady Templeton Sr. and Margaret Wyatt Templeton; his sister, Cindy Kiser; and his grandparents, Fred Templeton, Peggy and Chester Damron, and William Leslie and Mabel Yancey Wyatt.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Travis Lee Templeton; his daughter-in-law, Mandy; and his beloved granddaughter, Bethany “Archer” Templeton, of Southport, NC.; his brother-in-law, Ricky Kiser, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles who will miss him dearly.

A graveside service will be held Friday, May 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Parklawn Memorial Gardens, with his son, Travis Templeton, officiating.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this year in August. Spanky’s legacy lives on in the stories told with a smile, the hobbies he shared, and the steady love he poured into his family. Though he will be deeply missed, his life will be remembered with gratitude, laughter, and enduring love.

Davidson Funeral Home, Hickory Tree Chapel is honored to serve the Templeton family.