Deacon John A. Spruill

On February 26, 2025, John Alfred Spruill completed life’s physical journey and accepted the blessings of eternity holding the hand of his soulmate and wife at Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk, VA. John was a uniquely loving and caring person of tremendous faith and strength. 

He was born in Littleton, NC on June 9, 1948 to the late John and Retha Spruill. In 1970, he graduated with a major in History from Norfolk State College (University), where all 5 of his brothers earned their undergraduate degrees. John worked at General Motors Corporation for 30 years. After retirement, he worked at FDIC Employee Federal Credit Union for several years. 

He was a member of First Baptist Church, 112 Mahan Street, where he served on the Deaconate Board, including years as Chair, and taught Sunday School, Noon Day Bible Study and Vacation Bible School. Before marrying his “lovely” wife Lynn and moving to Suffolk, VA in 2005, he was a Deacon at Good Samaritan Mission Church Suitland, MD.

A passionate fisherman, John enjoyed many hours on piers, beaches, and boats plying his pastime. His greatest pleasure was sharing his fishing skills with young people, including family and others close to him. He was an avid reader, his favorite book being the Bible. During his 60s, he learned to play the piano and was proud of his progress. Last but not least of his pleasures were watching Judge Judy at least twice a day and Perry Mason each night.

He was called by many names, including Honey, Daddy, Dad, Granddaddy, Brother, John Boy, Uncle, Deacon, Friend and Big John. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Patricia Lynn Richards-Spruill; 3 children, Tirina Britton (Samuel) of Orlando, FL, John II (Dinesha) of Bowie, MD, Shannon Spruill Tabron (Keith) of Temple Hills, MD; a bonus son, Jay Richards (Link) of Washington, DC; grandchildren, Kairo and Kaden Spruill; as well as 5 siblings, Matthew Spruill (Paula), Linwood Spruiell (Gloria) and Michael Spruiell (Vera). He was preceded in death by 2 siblings, Thomas Woodard (Cheryl) and Joseph Spruill (Agnes). Finally, he is survived by “Brothers” Bob Alford (Pat) and George Smith (Ann); 9 additional grandchildren (Jeffrey (Sarah), Adoration, Skekinah, Shalom, Michael, Gabrielle, Omega, Genesis, and Gow) and 5 great grandchildren, also loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and many, many family and friends.

A wake will be held at Crocker Funeral Home, 900 E Washington Street Suffolk, VA 23434 on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. Reflections can be shared at the wake by family and friends. A Connecting Link Ceremony will be held during the Wake.

The homegoing celebration will be held at First Baptist Church 112 Mahan Street on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Holly Lawn Cemetery in Suffolk, Va., immediately following the service. 

The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Lupus Foundation of America at lupus.org in lieu of flowers.

Crocker Funeral Home, Inc., is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)