Danny Spreitler

Danny J. Spreitler

1961 ~ 2016

Amory, MS

Danny J. Spreitler, 55 passed away July 5, 2016 in Amory. Born March 16, 1961 in Sparta, Illinois, he was a son of William J. and Dixie Phelps Spreitler. Most of Danny's younger years were spent in Long Beach, MS. He attended Long Beach High School and excelled in sports, especially running track. He graduated in 1979 and enrolled at the Perkinston Campus, Gulf Coast Junior College.

It was during this time in his life that his desire to excel and give 110% in all he did was made evident. While at Perkinston, he became known as Danny "Track" Spreitler, as he broke the school record for long hurdles at 19.9 meters, helping the track team to break 2 scoring records for most points in a quad meet and also most points in a South Division Meet, with the winning streak extended for 20 months and winning the State Track Team Competition 1979-1980. Also, while at Perk, he was named Mr. Perk, served on the Student Council, Food Committee, served as president of the Deputy Election Committee and worked with the Special Olympics.

In 1982, Danny joined the United States Navy to serve his country and maintained an exemplary service record. He was awarded the Gulfport Sailor of the Quarter award, Sailor of the Year award with the Naval Construction Batallion Center, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy "E" Ribbon, Navy Achievement Medal and Good Conduct Medal along with numerous other awards and Letters of Commendation for his work in the Naval Chaplain Department. He was recognized numerous times for his commitment, expertise, and contributions to the Navy, all while he was a student at USM and actively involved in his community. He served on the USS Kitty Hawk in 1986 as the primary Navy Relief Interviewer afloat for Battle Group Bravo.

Deeply civic minded, Danny was President of Stone County Little League, coach of the 1986 Mississippi State Little League State Champions, coach of the Stone County All-Star Team, member of Stone County Recreation Association, member of First Baptist Church, Wiggins Softball Team, member of Stone County Merchants Association softball team, State Representative for Little League Softball, umpire and Honorary citizen of Gulfport.

In 2001, he moved to Amory as the Hospital Administrator for Gilmore Memorial Hospital. When the Hospital sold, Danny became the Executive Director for the Gilmore Foundation. Passionate about education and children, he was a proud supporter for the Gilmore Early Learning Initiative or GELI Program. He also served as the President of the GSDCA-WDA, the National German Shepherd Working Dog Association from January 2008 until June 2010. He actively competed with his favorite dog "Ronny" in Schutzhund Trials and handled many of his German Shepherds in the conformation ring. He also became active in the Portugese Podengo dog organization, where he handled his dogs Oceano and Maresia to many blue ribbons in the AKC conformation ring. He was a member of Cornerstone Family Fellowship Church.

In his spare time, he enjoyed lecturing, hunting and gardening. An expert marksman, he enjoyed collecting guns and going to the shooting range. Danny enjoyed time spent with family and friends. He enjoyed seeing businesses in Amory succeed and would lend his many talents to help.

In addition to his mother, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Carl Davis, Clinton Davis and David Spreitler.

He is survived by his wife, Denise Taylor Spreitler; children, Taylor Spreitler, Alicia Spreitler, Samantha Davis and Damion Spreitler; sister, Sherri Killegrew (Kevin); granddaughter, Jaidah Wilson; longtime friend, Cindy Petersen; and last but certainly not least, Sprizzle's Chunky Monkey Geli Dog.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Rd., Long Beach from 11:00am, until the service at 1:00pm. Burial will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Monroe Early Learning Collaborative, 52251 HWY 25 South, Amory, MS 38821.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.