Bobby Rudolph Spruill was born June 24, 1950 in Columbia, North Carolina. He was one of 13 children born to Reverend Otto Spruill Sr. and Blanche Spruill. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 19, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Billy, Otto Jr., and Larry; and his sister, Carolyn.

At the young age of 16, Bobby left his small hometown, where he spent much of his youth hunting and fishing. He joined Job Corp to seek better opportunities. His experience in Job Corp allowed him to explore the country's great outdoors where he eventually obtained certification as a forest firefighter.

Always looking for better opportunities, he moved to Westbury, New York and lived with his late brother Otto Jr.  While living in Westbury, he met his beloved wife of 54 years, Tamara Anne Spruill. They were married on May 8, 1971. Through their union, there were four children.

During the early years of their marriage, he went to work for Ivy Hill Industries where he stayed only 2 ½ years. It just wasn't a good fit for his skills. His passion for nature led him to search for jobs working in the environment. He eventually landed a job working for The Town of North Hempstead Department of Parks & Recreation where he grew his passion for gardening. He was very excited when the town recognized his gifted hands and decided to transfer him to the Botanical Gardens in Williston Park, NY. It was there that he learned from experts how to handle exotic plants. His talent allowed him to be given the responsibility of creating the most beautiful gardens. He was often requested to travel to different parks throughout the town to help design gardens. Bobby became known to everyone as the plant doctor. His colleagues, friends and relatives would bring their sick plants to him for healing. His home was always filled with plants. His children developed a love for nature and gardening because he often times brought them to work with him. Bobby retired after 25 years of service.

Outside of work, Bobby loved to spend time with his family. He loved cars, especially Cadillacs. Everyone would ask him for a ride, and he was always happy to oblige. He was the parent that always drove his neighbor's children to school, to work, and the roller rink. Neighbors would ask him for rides to doctor appointments, and the grocery store. Everyone could count on him to get them wherever they were going on time.

Pops, as he was affectionately called, and his family eventually moved back to North Carolina. There he lived simply, woke up, had a cup of coffee, walked several miles to pick up a newspaper, came home, read the paper and his bible, tended to his plants and took rides with his wife. He loved lotto scratch offs and going to the casino. He was always winning something. He loved playing cards, especially with his cousin, James and his sister-in law, Charis, who nicknamed him Bodine. Everyone knew Bobby as a quiet soul, not saying much but always saying what needed to be said.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Tamara Spruill; and his children, Rocquelle Goode ("Donnee"), Sean Gilmore (Rosslyn), Jacynthia Spruill and Norman Spruill. He also leaves behind his siblings; Lucy Collins, Betty Lou Spruill, Linda Moore, Shirley Spencer, Peggy Spruill, Michael Spruill and David Spruill; his in-laws; Daniel Gilmore, Charis McGuire, and Michael Gilmore (Tonya); eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00pm Friday, July 25, 2025 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Eastlawn Gardens of Memory, Kernersville, NC. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00pm on Friday at the Chapel.