William Earl Spurgeon, Sr. of the Antioch Community of Panola County, Texas was born on Sept. 11, 1924, at Dogtown in Cherokee County, Texas to Johnnie William and Annie Brady Pitts Spurgeon. He left school after the 4th grade to work on a farm to help support his family. Mr. Spurgeon joined the U.S. Army when he was 15 years old. A WWII veteran with the 2nd Infantry Division, 15th Field Artillery, he earned many awards including the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. As a forward observer, he fought in five major campaigns, from D-Day to the Battle of the Bulge. In 1956, he married Nina LaVerle Hill and together, they celebrated 64 years. After his military discharge, he worked as a mechanic for Standard Oil and Gas. He retired from Amoco Production Company after 36 years. In his retirement, he enjoyed working on his land, raising cattle and timber, hunting, and fishing. An avid craftsman, from his sawmill and wood from his own land, he built many things including cabins, a house, wooden chests, and walking canes. He loved to watch the Polka shows and could be a practical joker. Anyone who visited Antioch Baptist Church would likely be greeted with warmth by Brother Spurgeon. He was a Sunday school teacher until he turned 90 and had a powerful love for the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and two grandsons.
William Earl Spurgeon, Sr. of the Antioch Community of Panola County, Texas was born on Sept. 11, 1924, at Dogtown in Cherokee County, Texas to Johnnie William and Annie Brady Pitts Spurgeon. He left school after the 4th grade to work on a farm to help support his family. Mr. Spurgeon joined the U.S. Army when he was 15 years old. A WWII veteran with the 2nd Infantry Division, 15th Field Artillery, he earned many awards including the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. As a forward observer, he fought in five major campaigns, from D-Day to the Battle of the Bulge. In 1956, he married Nina LaVerle Hill and together, they celebrated 64 years. After his military discharge, he worked as a mechanic for Standard Oil and Gas. He retired from Amoco Production Company after 36 years. In his retirement, he enjoyed working on his land, raising cattle and timber, hunting, and fishing. An avid craftsman, from his sawmill and wood from his own land, he built many things including cabins, a house, wooden chests, and walking canes. He loved to watch the Polka shows and could be a practical joker. Anyone who visited Antioch Baptist Church would likely be greeted with warmth by Brother Spurgeon. He was a Sunday school teacher until he turned 90 and had a powerful love for the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and two grandsons.
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