Robert Lee Spruill

On December 11, 2021, God granted him peace from his earthly struggles as he boarded flight #121121 and quietly joined the heavenly realm.  He entered this world on July 20, 1947 in Hollister, NC and is preceded in death by his parents, Elder Jasper Spruill and Eliza Harrison; and sister, Emma Spruill-Arline. He was the second born of 6 children and spent his early years in Hollister, NC attending school before the family moved to Rocky Mount, NC.

He continued his education at O. R. Pope Elementary, Baskerville Elementary and Booker T. Washington Senior High School where he loaned his baritone voice to the school choir.  He also became "Student of the Month" as a result of his academic skills, which earned him the prize of driving a little yellow Corvette for one month.  Upon graduation from high school in 1965, he entered the United States Air Force, became a E4 Sargent and served 4 years.

Upon his exit from the Air Force in 1969, he ventured to Newport News, VA to attend College of Hampton Roads, where he met the love of his life, Mary Watson.  They were united in holy matrimony on February 26, 1972, and relocated to Winston-Salem, NC where they made their home and began their careers.

In 2003, Robert suffered a stroke that also led to other health issues and complications, causing him to make difficult changes and adjustments to his everyday life.  As a result of extended rehabilitation and a remarkable strength of mind, he overcame these difficulties and returned to work. He continued to enjoy his life and never complained about what he could or could not do. His sense of humor never wavered.

Robert was raised in a Christian home, attending church and Sunday school every Sunday.  There he learned all about Jesus and how he needed to live his life if he intended to make heaven his eternal home.

In October 2003, he rededicated his life back to Christ at Piney Grove Baptist Church, where he remained a faithful member until the end.

Robert was a no-nonsense type of man and inherited some of his father's traits.  He was a man of integrity, and was taught that if you wanted something in life, you had to work hard to get it.  He took care of his home and made sure his family had all that they needed and more.

Robert is leaving to cherish his memory his wife of 49 years, Mary, who was the best caregiver, nurturer and supporter on this side of heaven; daughter, Tameika Renee Spruill of Winston-Salem, NC; son, Jeffrey Arnell Spruill of Beltsville, MD; two grandchildren, Jashawn and Una Spruill of Winston-Salem, NC; one sister, Mittie Spruill of Upper Marlboro, MD; three brothers, Gilbert Spruill (Lois), Wade Spruill (Marisa) and Carver E. Spruill, Sr. of Rocky Mount, NC; two special aunts, Dahlia Williams of Newport News, VA and Alice Nelson of Washington, DC; one uncle, Frank Harrison (Florence) of Hollister, NC; a large host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to name. All will cherish his memory and keep his love alive.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, December 17, 2021 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30am Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Piney Grove Baptist Church. Entombment will follow in Crestview Memorial Park, 6850 University Parkway Rural Hall, NC 27045.  The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 11:30am on Saturday at the Church.