William Earl Spurgeon, Sr. 96, of the Antioch Community of Panola County, TX, passed away on Saturday evening, Nov. 14, 2020, in Carthage, TX. He was born on Sept. 11, 1924, at Dogtown in Cherokee County, TX to the late Johnnie William and Annie Brady Pitts Spurgeon. He left school after the 4 ^th 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 2 ^nd Infantry Division, 15 ^th Field Artillery, he earned many awards including the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, and said, "I was just doing my job." 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. His prayers would end with, "Lord, you've been good to me, and I thank you for it." We lost the heart of the family, the hero of lots of people.

He is survived by his wife; one son, Bill Spurgeon and his wife Kathryn; three daughters, Linda Holt, Diane Gibson, and Renee Nolen and her husband Rodney; one brother; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Mr. Spurgeon was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, and 2 grandsons.

His love for his family and friends gave lasting memories of joy. One of his favorite songs said: "Help Me to Live for Others, that I Might Live Like Thee." His last words were:  "The Lord has been good to us and everything is going to be all right. I'm ready to meet my Maker." He has been greeted in heaven with "Well done, thy good and faithful servant."

An outdoor funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, at Mr. Spurgeon's home place with Bro. Rodger Cole officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Antioch Cemetery. A viewing will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.  The funeral service will be held outdoors due to COVID 19.

Pallbearers will be Chris Bird, Brandon Burris, Charlie Clements, Andy Freeman, Jake Nolen, and Jason Spurgeon.  Honorary pallbearers will be Holland Dickey, Bruce Maines, Elton Weems, and Joe Ben Wooten.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Antioch Baptist Church, 3218 F.M. 699, Carthage, TX 75633 or Gideon's International, P.O. Box 393, Carthage, TX 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com .

Click the video below to view Mr. Spurgeon's service

Click the video below to view Mr. Spurgeon's Tribute