JAMES E. SPURLOCK

JAMES E. SPURLOCK, passed away on Friday, March 11, 2011, at home surrounded by his immediate family. Mr. Spurlock was born in Memphis on October 22, 1925 to Andrew J. and Myrtle Helms Spurlock. He attended South Side High School before enlisting in the Army/Air Force. He flew 32 missions over Germany and Belgium and participated in the Battle of the Bulge where he received the Purple Heart when his plane was shot down over Poland. He has fascinated his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with stories of “walking” from Poland to Egypt to get a “safe” ride home. Mr. Spurlock entered the Cotton business in 1946 with Bluff City Cotton Co. He owned and operated Delta Cotton Co. for 40 years. He was a member of the Memphis Cotton Exchange, New York Cotton Exchange, The American Cotton Shippers, and The Southern Cotton Shippers. Mr. Spurlock was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church and supported many charities. He was also an ardent supporter of University of Memphis Tiger Athletics. He is survived by his two daughters, Judith S. Bracken (Joe) of Overland Park, KS and Donna S. Lucchesi (Joseph) of Memphis; one son, Wallace E. Harris (Linda). He also leaves grandchildren, Joseph A. Lucchesi III (Kendall), Jeanice L. Spencer (Jeffrey) of Memphis, and Richard E. Bracken (Caryn) of Overland Park, KS, Jennifer S. Kennedy (Brian) and Jill S. Rogers (Donald) of Collierville. Most importantly he leaves the “lights of his life”, Kate, Luke, and Sophie Spencer; Zachary and Matthew Lucchesi of Memphis; Caleb, Jacob and Julia Kennedy; and Thomas and Joseph Rogers of Collierville. Mr. Spurlock was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy Sue Spurlock, his brother, Robert Allan Spurlock of Chicago, and his parents of Memphis. “Ol Spur” as he was known to children and adults alike was an avid hunter and golfer. The family is most appreciative for the love and care by William Dunlap for over 30 years. also, thanks to Shirley Perry, Stanley Jenkins and others for his care. He will be missed not only by his family but a host of friends across the country. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 13, from 4-7 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home with Services Monday, March 14, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home and burial at Memorial Park Cemetery immediately following the service. The family requests that memorials be sent to The Church Health Center, St. Louis Catholic School Renewal or the charity of the donor’s choice. Memorial Park Funeral Home, "Behind the stone wall", 901-767-8930. Condolences may be offered at www.MemorialParkOnline.com