Dr. James Blair Spillman

February 15, 1927 - January 14, 2021

Dr. James Blair Spillman was born on February 15, 1927 in Staunton, Va. On January 14, 2021, he passed away peacefully at his home in Radford, Va.

Blair graduated from Robert E Lee high school in 1946. He then went on to college at the University of Virginia followed by medical school at UVA and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa National Honorary Fraternity. After medical school, he enlisted in the Army and was honorably discharged as a Major in the Medical Corp. He then decided to lay roots in Radford, a community he loved while practicing as a pediatrician for 30 years. Blair had a strong passion for the outdoors including gardening, birds, stargazing and canoeing. He also was involved in the community by volunteering in many activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Lelia Spillman; wife, Betty Spillman; and son, James Todd Spillman.

He is survived by daughters, Beth Spillman, Linda Newell (John), Susan Spillman (Russ) and Shirley Cullop (Mark); grandchildren, Ian and Danielle Weaver, Jesse, Kevin and Matt Newell, and Rachael and Devin Cullop; and great-grandchildren, Cameron and Lila.

The family would like to thank Intrepid home health and hospice who helped with Blair and greatly touched our lives. Also, thanks to the many caregivers who made it possible for him to stay home which was his wish.

A private graveside service will be held at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton, Va. at a later date.

For those wishing to make a memorial donation, please consider Radford Public Library.

The Spillman family is in care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford, Virginia. www.mullinsfuneralhom.com

MULLINS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

Radford, Virginia

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times on Jan. 24, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for James Spillman

Sponsored by Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory - Radford.

24 Entries

Bruce Rucker

January 28, 2021

Our deepest sympathies go out to the Spillmans and extended family. Blair was my godfather, having come into our extended family in the early 1950´s when he and my father Edmund Harrison Rucker met at UVA med school. Blair never failed to send us a Christmas card and we´ll treasure the last one he sent this past Christmas. What a great man.

Sarah Carter

January 28, 2021

Condolences to the family. Drs. Hall, Spillman, and Cook were the GREATEST PEDIATRICIANS IN RADFORD! Each one will hold a SPECIAL spot in my heart. My children Rozetta and Chad Reed loved all three of them from their childhood to their adulthood. Have pictures of Rozetta and Dr. Spillman at Wildwood Park during a Wildwood clean up day. I always enjoyed talking to Dr. Spillman when he and I were at the old Radford Hospital. A Great man. PRAY THAT YOU ALL BE SAFE AND BE BLESSED.

Dave Abraham

January 26, 2021

R.I.P.: God is receiving someone who loved his creation

Sandra Stoots Rice Long

January 25, 2021

Dr. Spillman save my oldest son's life. A wonderful doctor and great man.

Elizabeth G Rucker

January 25, 2021

My parents were friends with the Spillmans beginning in medical school. They remained friends and the Spillmans became godparents to one of my brothers. My parents always spoke so fondly of both of them. Having lived in the Montgomery County area since 1978, it's rare that I find someone who hasn't been touched (literally) by Dr. Spillman. May you rest in peace, Dr. Spillman.

Kathy Bishop

January 24, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers on the passing of your Dad and Granddad. What a very special man to so many people and their children. He will be missed.

Sherri Winkler

January 24, 2021

Dear Shirley (and Spillman Family),
I was saddened this evening to read of Dr. Spillman's passing. Dr. Spillman was wise, wonderful, kind, generous, and FUN! I spent countless hours at the Spillman home on Cumberlea, where we made truly indelible memories. Dr. Spillman and his wife, Betty, always showed great interest in and support of their children, their children's friends, the Radford Bobcats, and the Radford community at large. Dr. and Mrs. Spillman were always fun-loving, involved parents. They took us to many Bobcats' sporting events, whether at home or away; they instilled in us a love of the outdoors - whether it was hiking, fishing, gardening, canoeing, or "roughing it" at their cabin in Staunton. I will forever cherish the memories - Godspeed, Dr. Spillman!
With much love and respect,
Sherri

Martha Quesenberry

January 24, 2021

Prayers and sympathies to all that knew and loved Dr Spillman. Both of my boys loved him ( they are now 36 and 37). He was an amazing doctor and Radford was so fortunate to have him to take care of our children.

Jean Umberger

January 24, 2021

Dr. Spillman was a wonderful, caring pediatrician to my three sons: Kevin (54), Brian (52, and Steve (50) Ford. He, along w/Dr. Hall and Dr. Cook were a part of so many children´s´ lives in Radford.

Linda Atkinson

January 24, 2021

He was my doctor in peds. My sister Diane Nester Phillips worked in the office with him. We both loved him. Our sympathy for the family.

Deb Davis Sydnor

January 24, 2021

Dear Spillman family, so sorry to hear of Dr. Spillman's passing. He was greatly loved for his profession and his friendship to many. Missing your mom as well.

Nancy Lawson

January 24, 2021

So sorry for such a great loss. When my kids were small I was so grateful for Dr. Spillman. I trusted him more than anyone with the health of my boys. What a wonderful legacy.

Debbie Patton Tomlinson

January 24, 2021

Beth, my deepest condolences to you and your family!

Eleanor Lester

January 24, 2021

Dr Spillman was my favorite doctor! He was so kind and really cared about his patients. He was the pediatrician to many in our family. Prayers for his family. May he rest in peace.

Teresa Sheppard

January 24, 2021

Dr.Spillman was the best pediatrician ever! Took all four of children to him he was always kind and very knowledgeable! My children and I will remember him with high regards and respect! Truly a wonderful man and a great doctor!! Teresa Sheppard and children Richie Sabrina Tiffany and Ashley! RIP in DR. Spillman ❤

Rob Gardiner

January 24, 2021

My condolences are sent & comforting prayers. Such a wonderful man and a very loving family.

Teresa Sheppard

January 24, 2021

Deborah Alderman Selvey

January 24, 2021

He was my favorite Doctor ever
I remember that when I turned 18 he said that I had to see another doctor I was to old to come back
He was and always be the best doctor ever

Judy Groseclose

January 24, 2021

He was a wonderful doctor to my children and grandchildren.

Diane McGuire Muncy

January 24, 2021

My sincere sympathies to the family. Drs. Hall, Spillman, and Cook were my oldest daughters pediatrician 40 years ago. Went to RHS with some of his children. May God keep His comforting arms around you all.

Woodrow H Yopp Jr

January 24, 2021

Prayers for the for the family. Such a nice man.

Sudesh and Krishan Tayal

January 24, 2021

We are so sorry to hear this news. Blair was an amazing friend, neighbor and pediatrician who took care of our kids. He taught us a lot about gardening and fruit trees and bird watching. It was an amazing feeling to know that he is our neighbor. God bless his soul. Lots of love and regards

Jeff Doto

January 24, 2021

I´m very sorry to hear of Dr. Spillmans passing. He was a very kind person, who always found the time to converse.

William Prillaman

January 24, 2021

We will miss you my friend.

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