Wade Spruill

Wade Spruill
ROCKY MOUNT - Wade Spruill entered this world on October 10, 1952 in Hollister, NC, born to Eliza & Jasper Spruill as the "knee baby boy" of six children. He was raised in Rocky Mount, NC and attended school at Susie C. Baskerville Elementary School, Booker T. Washington, and he graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High in 1970.
After graduation, Wade joined the United States Air Force in 1971 and was stationed at Da Nang Air Base in Vietnam, serving as Strategic Air Command (SAC) Aircraft Security. During his service there, he played a vital role in defending the base against constant enemy attacks, safeguarding Da Nang Air Base through some of the war's most intense battles. Because of his bravery, he received a Vietnam service medal and a certificate in combat preparedness. His family was grateful to welcome him home, safe and unharmed, in 1973.
Upon returning home from Vietnam, he attended Edgecombe Community College and earned an Associate's Degree in Business Administration in 1977. It was here that he would meet the love of his life, Marisa "Risa" Wilkins. It was love at first sight and they were later married on June 12, 1982. From this love, two amazing children were born: his daughter Nakenia, and his son Wade Jr. (Jesse). Both were Wade's pride and joy, and he cherished every moment of being their father.
He began his career at Draka Elevator Company in 1980. He remained with Draka for 24 years before retiring in 2004.
Wade Spruill will be remembered for many things - his handsome smile that would light up a room, his deep and commanding voice, even his keen intelligence (he loved tackling crossword puzzles in ink, engaging in passionate political debates, and could speak profoundly on almost any topic you threw his way). More than anything, Wade cherished being a devoted husband to his beautiful bride, and took great pride in providing a safe, stable and loving home for their children. And "children" is used in the broadest sense - because he extended that same unwavering support and provision to his wife Risa's younger siblings, loving and caring for them as though they were his own. They, in turn, loved and cherished him deeply.
Wade Spruill was a blessing to all who knew him and will forever be missed. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marisa Wilkins Spruill, his parents Elder Jasper Spruill and Eliza Harrison Spruill, sister Emma Spruill-Arline and brothers Robert Lee Spruill and Gilbert Spruill. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Nakenia Sherelle Spruill of Washington, DC; his son Wade "Jesse" Spruill, Jr. (Jasmine) of Rocky Mount, NC; sister Mittie Bell Spruill, Upper Marlboro, MD; brother Carver Earl Spruill, Rocky Mount, NC; sisters-in-love: Gail (Donnell) Rocky Mount, NC and Phyliss Wilkins Raleigh, NC; brothers-in-love: Carl Wilkins (Gale), Raleigh, NC; Kenneth Wilkins, Rocky Mount, NC; Donald "Byrd" Wilkins (Doan), Capital Heights, MD; Kevin Wilkins, Richmond, VA; and Paul Wilkins, (Danielle) Raleigh, NC. Three special aunts: Dahlia Williams, Newport News, VA; Alice Nelson, Washington, DC; and Linda Hunter, Rocky Mount, NC. One uncle, Frank Harrison (Florence), Hollister, NC. And a large and loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to name.
Celebration of life will be held, Friday, August 29, 2025, 1pm, at New Morning Star Church of Christ with Bishop Apelles Hart, Sr., Officiating. Viewing will be held Thursday, August 28, 2025, 5pm7pm at Hunter-Odom Funeral Services. Services Entrusted to Hunter-Odom Funeral Services.