WILLIAM SPENCE grew up with the beaches and mountains of California. He earned a degree in biology, and went into the Navy. He had a 20-year military career filled with deployments. He moved 13 times, while dealing with family issues, and enjoying his children. Subsequently he worked as a Wal-Mart crew member, correctional officer, business owner, truck driver, and science/adult education teacher. He has persevered through bankruptcy, family losses, renal cancer, kidney removal, open-heart valve replacement surgery, and three bypasses.