William "Willie" Mack Spann was born on July 21, 1927 to the late Isaac Spann and Susie Pinckney-Mack. A native of Charleston, SC, he graduated from Burke High School in 1946. He then went onto attend Shaw University from 1946-1948. In 1947, Dr. Spann was a member of the Shaw University's national championship football team, which he was later inducted to the Shaw University's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987. From 1949-1953, his education was interrupted by a stint in the military. He returned to Shaw University in 1954 and graduated in 1956 with a B.S. degree in Physical Education. He continued educational pursuits at Michigan State University, Xavier University, University of Alaska and Coppin State College. Dr. Spann received his M.A. degree in Physical Education and Recreation from Columbia University and ultimately received his professional degree in Physical Education from Indiana State University. His deep and abiding faith in the mission of Shaw University led him to become a faculty member in 1957. At Shaw University, he served as head coach in a variety of intercollegiate sports. He was named CIAA Basketball Coach of the Year for an exceptional 1963-1964 season. In 1976, he coached Shaw's women basketball team to the NCAA Division III championships and was named CIAA Basketball Coach of the Year in the women's division. During his tenure at Shaw University he served as Athletic Director, founder of the Kinesiotherapy Clinical Program and Chairperson of the Department of Allied Health. Dr. Spann rose through the academic ranks from instructor to associate professor to the time of his first retirement in 1998. He was then called back by administration as a full professor to head the Department of Allied Health, Audiology and Speech Pathology where he retired again in 2003. Affectionately called Uncle Willie, Dr. Spann loved his family and friends. In addition, he dedicated his life to Shaw University and the brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. In 2005, Dr. Spann and other interest alumni and friends spearheaded the development of the Shaw farmhouse. He revitalized the farmhouse from a run-down and dilapidated facility to a respectful attractive venue to serve the University and the community. A member of St. Paul AME Church in Raleigh, NC, Dr. Spann was a God fearing man that had stern convictions about life. Once called a "man of all seasons," he was an avid Sunday School attendee and supporter. In addition, he was once superintendent of Shaw University's Sunday school. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Lillian Fladger Spann. He is survived by his two daughters, Cynthia and Wilma; five grandchildren, Yero, Mario, Channte', Cyndria and Quinton; four great-grandchildren, Acacia, Jalen, Paige and Akir; one sister, Louise; one brother, George; a loyal first cousin, Mariah (Lloyd); and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. To view his funeral arrangements, please click on 'SERVICE SCHEDULE'. The funeral service in North Carolina is being conducted by Haywood Funeral Home, Raleigh, NC. To leave an online memorial message for the family, please click on 'SIGN GUESTBOOK'. Thank you!