On November 6, 2015 we lost our “cherished” father, grampa, great grampa, brother and friend. Jerry passed away at the University of Utah hospital in Salt Lake City, putting up a heck of battle after heart surgery on October 15, 2015.
Jerry was 78 yrs. young. He was born August 3, 1937 in Helena, MT to Barney & Velma Spurlock.
He served in the National Guard of Montana and also in the Armed Forces of the United States. He was honorably discharged from the Army. He was trained as Carbine Marksman and Mechanic of a Howitzer Battalion. Receiving Letters of Commendations; “You have brought considerable pride on yourself and this organization by your diligent and superior performance.” “Outstanding manner in which you performed all duties during this most difficult and exhausting exercise. Rare ability to solve the many difficult problems caused by the bitter cold, hazardous conditions in this frontier region of Alaska.”
Jerry married Dorothy Smith April 5, 1958 in Helena, MT. To this union five children were born: Barney (Christi, grandkids; Nichole, Lacey, Emma & Clancy) Sherri Watts (Bret, grandkids Tucker & Tyser Wiseman), Krista Williams (Guy, grandkids Zach, Bo, Kelsey & Maddi), Kevin (Stacey, grandkids Bailey & Conley), Brenda Walker (Randy, grandson Jacob Spurlock) and 14 great grandchildren. So it goes without saying that family gatherings were “quite eventful”, with him as head cook. He loved and cherished his grandkids and great grandkids, teaching them to love hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors the same way he did. He shared his endless life knowledge with them always.
After the military Jerry worked with Cotton’s House Moving, was a mechanic at the Anaconda Company’s Berkley Pit, and had his own wrecking yard called Jerry’s Auto Parts on Helena’s west side.
Jerry also enjoyed working with his hands and cooking. He was a master artist of multiple media including leather, bone, and woodworking. His latest work was his beloved log home up Skelly Gulch.
From the beginning he loved racecars, hotrods, motorcycles, and involved himself and his family in racing, rodding, and riding, hence the name Jerry “SPEED” Spurlock, which he loved. For a time Jerry and Dorothy were President and Vice President of the Helena Valley Stock Car Club. Mom, Dad, kids, and now the grandkids, carry on the racing, rodding and riding, a tradition that lives on to this day.
Jerry loved Nascar, his & Barney’s “guy” being Jeff Gordon. Dad, Bret & Sherri would spend Sunday afternoon watching Nascar bantering back and forth for “their guy”. Dad’s hero, Jeff Gordon won the last race known to Dad. This was quite a thrill for Dad.
In additional to her children and grandchildren, Jerry is survived by his sisters, Bonnie (KC) Holman and Connie Mayer. He was preceeded in death by his parents; sisters, Jo Ann, Shirley & Dodi, brothers Bill & Jim; grandson Tyser Wiseman.
Committal Rites with military honors will be held 12:00 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2015 at the Committal Shelter at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Placement of his cremated remains will follow in the Columbarium Niche at the Cemetery. A memorial service celebrating Jerry’s life will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, November 13th at Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church on Highway 12 E near Townsend. A reception will follow in the social center of the church. Memorials in Jerry’s name are suggested to Salt Lake Fisher House 690 S. Valdez Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84148. www.fisherhousesaltlakecity.com.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Friday November 13, 2015
Committal Shelter at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Row
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Celebration of His Life
1:30 p.m.
Friday November 13, 2015
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead Drive off Hwy 12 East
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Friday November 13, 2015
Committal Shelter at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Row
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Celebration of His Life
1:30 p.m.
Friday November 13, 2015
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead Drive off Hwy 12 East
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Russ & Kelli Kaufman says
Sherry, Barney, Krista, Kevin, Brenda, and families,
We are so sorry to hear abut Uncle Jerry. We have many fond memories of days gone by. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you all.
Love, Rusty and Kelli
Rusty and Kelli
Rusty and Kelli
Matt & Shelly Horne says
We are sending deepest condolences to the family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers Keep it on the track 175 God Bless and God Speed love to all
Matt & Shelly
deb stansberry says
Dot and family,
So very sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Deb
Cleo Schultz says
Barney and family, I was so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. It is never easy no matter what our age is, please know you our in our thoughts and prayers. Butch and Cleo
Lorna (McCarl) Smith says
Barney, Sherri, Kevin, Krista &Brenda & families: I was sorry to hear about Jerry, my thoughts & prayers are with you. I love you all Aunt Lorna
John & Sonya Woolsey says
Jerry”s Family,
Sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. We have many great memories of you guys. Camping & riding motorcycles were the best. If there needed to be a floating device blown up, Jerry devised a way to do it with what he had to work with….exhaust pipe worked better than blowing it up otherwise. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ..John & Sonya
Nels Wilkins says
To the Spurlock families,
I was sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Times like this are never easy, even when you are
prepared for it. Thank GOD for the memories that we get to keep!