Johnny Spurlock

John Lewis Johnny Spurlock was born January 20, 1913 in Verona, Missouri. He was the son of George Lewis and Lillie Amelia (Peterson) Spurlock. Johnny moved with his family by covered wagon to Afton as an infant; fording Grand River just below what is now the twin bridges.

Johnny later moved with his family to Cleveland in 1921, where he received his education, graduating from Cleveland High School in 1931. Upon completion of his education, Johnny began a career in the automotive service business as a mechanic. He was married to Mary Lucille Leabo on October 13, 1940 in Hominy, Oklahoma. The couple made their home in Cleveland and had one son, James Lewis Spurlock.

Johnny was inducted into the service of his country in the United States Army Air Corp on May 15, 1942. He served as a Sergeant as an airplane and engine mechanic for nearly four years. During his military service, Johnny received the following medals and citations, American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on December 3, 1945 and returned to Cleveland.

In 1946, Johnny resumed his career in sales and distribution of petroleum products and operating a full service gasoline station, Cope and Spurlock A-1 Service Station. During this timeframe he assisted in the raising of many young men in the community by providing employment and guidance as they were maturing. This included encouraging them to attend church regularly and accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior. Johnny was a faithful member of the First Christian Church where he served as minister of transportation for over twenty-years.

Lucille preceded him in death after thirty-eight years of marriage on July 11, 1978. His civic duties included serving as a volunteer firefighter and was a member of the Woodland Cemetery Board for over twenty-five years. He was also a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Johnny passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2006 at the Tulsa Regional Medical Center at the age of ninety-three years and twenty-nine days. In addition to his wife, Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Kenneth and Quincy Cope; and two sisters, Mabel Johnson and Virgie.

He is survived by his son, Jimmy Spurlock of Cleveland, Oklahoma; two grandchildren, Jeremiah Jay Spurlock of Norman, Oklahoma and Stephanie Bradley of Cleveland, Oklahoma; a great granddaughter, Alexy Jaid Bradley of Cleveland, Oklahoma; and two sisters, Esther Parks of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Laverna Kykendall of Arlington, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, February 23, 2006 at the First Christian Church in Cleveland with Emile Bayouth officiating. Burial will be at the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.

Visit an online obituary and guestbook for Johnny Spurlock at www.chapman-black.com.