HOUSTON – The pest control industry mourns the loss of Bill Spitz, who owned and operated Big State Pest Control, Houston, Texas, and was a former NPMA President (1971-1972). Spitz passed away on Feb. 14, at age 95.
A Brooklyn native, Spitz enlisted in the U.S. Army at the outset of WWII. Serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Brooklyn, during flight school he distinguished himself and became the leader of 5,000 other cadets.
After the war, Spitz moved to Houston, Texas in 1950, where he met his wife Joan, and the couple launched Big State Pest Control, which grew to become a Fortune 500 company. Spitz became a respected businessman in the Houston community who made regular TV and radio appearances, according to his obituary on Legacy.com.
Bob and Judy Dold of Rose Pest Solutions, Chicago, were longtime friends and colleagues with the Bill and Joan Spitz. Judy Dold remembered Spitz as a charismatic, caring leader. “He was a big man physically, with a big personality, but never abrasive,” she said. “He loved spending time with his four boys and was active in his community and a leader at his temple.”
Later in life, Spitz mentored seasoned business executives and novices alike for over 30 years and was President of Silver Fox Advisors.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Bill & Joan Spitz Presidential Leadership Fund at Congregation Emanu El in Houston, Texas.
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