Richard Spurling

Richard Spurling

Madisonville, TN

Richard Ghormley Spurling, born March 24, 1934, age 81, of Madisonville, the pearly gates opened and a voice said to Richard Spurling, "Well done, My good and faithful servant" on Monday, September 7, 2015. Member of the First Baptist Church of Madisonville since 1944. For 58 years at the FBC, he was honored and proud to serve as a Sunday School teacher in a class of loving men whose heart was to help others. A man of great faith who selflessly served his church and community. He was a tireless servant leader for the following: FBC Food Panty, Habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots, Tennessee Baptist Convention Executive Board and Committee on Boards, Little League/Connie Mack baseball coach, Cub Scouts master, and TSSAA Official. After serving as an Industrial Engineer at Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant, he retired after 35 years. Prior to that, he was a math teacher and baseball/basketball coach at Norris High School. Richard, also known as, "Lefty" graduated from both Hiwassee College and the University of Tennessee. While at Hiwassee, he starred in three sports and at UT, he played first base for the Volunteers, leading the team in hitting in both 1955 and 1956. Throughout his life he continued to be involved and supportive of both colleges.

Richard leaves behind his wife and best friend, Bettye who he's been married to for more than 59 years; his "darling daughter", Linda and husband, Terry, of Bartlett, IL; his son and best friend, Rick and wife, Felicia; and two grandchildren, Madison and Max, who were the pride and joy of his life, of Spruce Pine, NC; brother, Edwin Spurling and wife, Margaret, of Dallas, TX; brother-in-law, Sam Harrill and wife, Janie, of Madisonville, TN; and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins. Richard was preceded in death by his father, Benson Spurling, and mother, Beth Ghormley Spurling; brothers, Andrew Spurling and Bill Spurling, and wife, Joyce.

Funeral: 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, First Baptist Church of Madisonville, Rev. John E. Pennington, Dr. Lon Shoopman and Rev. Jim Hutson officiating. Interment: 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, Haven Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to FBC Food Pantry at 139 College Street South, Madisonville, TN 37354. The family is deeply grateful to everyone for their prayers and caring thoughts and especially to the UT Medical Center for their compassion and loving care for our husband and dad during a very difficult time. Family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 P.M., Tuesday at the First Baptist Church of Madisonville. Arrangements by Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville.