Jerry L. Spruell passed from this earth on June 3, 2021 at Select Specialty Hospital in Evansville, IN. Born June 22, 1949 to parents Harry and Ruth Spruell, Jerry was one of eight children. He was a lifelong resident of Grayville, IL.
At the ripe age of 8, Jerry started his first job as a newspaper delivery boy. As he delivered papers throughout the streets of Grayville, he learned the location of every fruit tree Grayville had to offer! Like most of his siblings, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Army immediately following high school and was stationed in Germany. Once returning from Germany, Jerry used his charm, jet black hair, and metallic purple Norton motorcycle to swoon the love of his life, Glenna Spruell (Newman), they were married on January 30, 1971.
Jerry spent the majority of the next 30+ years working for the U.S. Department of Labor as a Federal mine inspector in the metal/nonmetal division. He was passionate about his work and he considered himself as the line of defense between a safe work environment and a workplace injury! He could recall a vast number of the citations he issued as well as the story that accompanied them. He and Glenna also owned and operated Main Street Tavern formerly Margaret’s in Grayville for more than 30 years.
When not traveling or visiting his grandchildren on the East Coast, Jerry served in various leadership roles within the Grayville Moose Lodge 1960 and the Mt. Carmel Eagles Aerie 3066. Through these organizations he donated an immense amount of time to charitable activities. He was a member of the Grayville American Legion Post for the past 50 years and was one of the last surviving members of the original “Leisure City” Pope County Deer Camp!
Survivors include his wife of 50 years Glenna Spruell, son Joshua (Danielle) Spruell, M.D.; grandchildren: Colton (Cassie) Spruell, Natasha Spruell, Zachary Spruell, Andrew Spruell, Madeline Spruell, and Austin Spruell; great-grandchildren: Dexter, Kylee, Shane, and Maison; Brothers: James Spruell, Tom Spruell, David (Connie) Spruell, William (Juanita) Spruell; Sisters: Leatha (Jack) Harris, Mary (Keith) Crackel, Rosalie Spruell, and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by both parents, his brother Sam Spruell, and his son Jerry L. Spruell, Jr.
Services will be conducted by Cook Funeral Chapel in Grayville on Saturday, June 5th. Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery in Cowling, IL. Timing to follow.
Jerry L. Spruell
