Obituary

Oliver Roy Spurlock

November 30, 1942 - February 16, 2021

“To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3

Oliver Roy Spurlock was born on November 30, 1942 in Franklinton, Louisiana to the late Leslie and Juanita Dyson Spurlock who preceded him in death.  He was the second born of three children, the late Mary Louise (wife of the late, Clayton “Sonny Boy” Lampton) of Magnolia, Mississippi and Leon Isaac (husband to Linda) Spurlock of San Antonio, Texas. 

Roy came into his own at a young age and left the quiet country life of Franklinton, and joined the military, where he proudly served his country in the United States Army for 3 years.  Upon his discharge from military service, Roy took up residence in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he met his wife, the late, Loretta Thomas.  Within this union, Roy and Loretta raised her 3 children, Harry, Vanessa (deceased) and Nathanial (deceased).  Roy loved each of them dearly. 

Time pressed on and life blessed Roy with 2 wonderful children.  His eldest was a son, the late Ernest Norman, who resided in Gonzalez, Louisiana.  Mary Norman was his mother.  From Roy’s time in relationship with Debra Tillman, he was blessed with a beautiful daughter, Juanita Tillman, wife of Skip Nicholas, who currently reside in New Orleans.

Roy spent the majority of his life in New Orleans working in various trades and positions.  He worked as a security officer for Xavier University, and a truck driver for the Magnolia Liquor Company.  The bulk of his career was spent at Delta Petroleum, where he worked as an operator for many years, until his retirement. 

Some of his favorite past times included spending time with family, fishing, hunting, being tuned into a good movie, listening to music (the blues style of music, in particular). Roy was an avid football fan and absolutely loved to watch the Saints play. 

In 2002, Roy suffered a serious stroke that left him partially paralyzed.  He made great strides in his recovery, although he never regained full strength or mobility.  Over the years, Roy received loving care and support from family members, throughout various phases of his rehabilitation.  His sister, Mary Louise, and her son, Clayton, were his primary caregivers during his residency with them in Magnolia, Mississippi.  One of his favorite things to do was to get dressed up on a sunny Sunday afternoon and spend time with his nephew, Clayton. Clayton would take extra special care of his “Uncle Roy” and would drive him to Hammond, Louisiana and would spend the afternoon watching football and talking trash at Chili’s Restaurant.  The two of them became quite the celebrities there and the staff always went above and beyond to make Roy feel special and spoiled him to no end.  Clayton took great pride in making sure that his uncle was happy and well taken care of.  Roy enjoyed these outings and looked forward to them each week. 

Over the course of 10 years or more, Roy also received quality care and support from the tireless efforts of his little/big brother, Leon Isaac.  Leon “Len” Spurlock cared for his brother and made sure that Roy’s quality of life was at the best level available.  Roy and Len were always a double dose of trouble growing up, and the very special bond that they shared only grew stronger over the years.  The brotherly love was ever present between the two of them, as they brought fulfillment to each other’s lives, as only each of them could. 

On Tuesday, February 16, 2021, Roy passed away peacefully in his sleep, in the home that he shared with his brother, Leon and family. 

To celebrate his life and memories, he leaves behind his brother, Leon and wife Linda. Daughter, Juanita Tillman and her husband, Skip Nicholas.  A special nephew/son, Clayton James Lampton and his wife, Jessica.  A special niece/daughter, Timika L. Spurlock.  Nieces, Le’Toya Lampton, Laurie Briggs and her daughters, Briyana, Lauryn, Brooklyn, Logan, Blake and London; nephew, Larry Briggs; niece, Lynda Marie Rhone and husband, David; and a host of cousins, family and friends to include, but not limited to The Dyson Family, The Spurlock Family, The Cutrer Family and The Brumfield Family. 

Visitation will be at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton, Louisiana on March 13, 2021 from 9:00 AM until the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM.