Neal Stanley Spurlock

Neal Stanley Spurlock, 93, of Amarillo died peacefully in his home on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. A Celebration of Life service will be held Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at St. Lukes Presbyterian Church at 11 o'clock in the morning.  A second service will follow the same day at 1:30 in the afternoon at Park Place Towers. He will lie in state at Morrison Funeral Home in Stratford on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 from 1 o'clock in the afternoon until 8 o'clock in the evening. Graveside services will be held at 1 o'clock in the afternoon on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at the Stratford Cemetery.  Arrangements are entrusted to Beeson ~ Morrison Funeral Directors.

Neal was born June 28, 1930 in Dalhart, Dallam County, TX, to Annie Clay Fredric Spurlock and William Alexander Spurlock.

 He attended school at Spurlock School and Stratford where he graduated in 1949. He attended West Texas State College in Canyon, TX, before joining the US Air Force.

 He played basketball for Stratford High School, WTSC, and The Air Force. While stationed at Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso, Texas, Neal met and married the love of his life, Mary Wayne Tinkler. They were married August 29, 1954 in El Paso.

The newlywed couple established their home at The Spurlock Community in Sherman County where they raised their children, and Neal began his farming career.

Neal received recognition for his agricultural accomplishments from the Sherman County Soil and Water Conservation District in 1993, and the Fort Worth Star Telegram 1994 Farm and Ranch award. He was a past Sherman County Director of North Plains Groundwater Conservation District and director of First State Bank Stratford, Dalhart, and Dumas. In addition, he served in leadership roles at The Spurlock Chapel and First United Methodist Church of Stratford.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Wayne Spurlock; a son, Jeffery Wayne Spurlock; sisters Mamie Bowen and Elsie Pearl Hill; brothers Harvey Spurlock, Clay Spurlock, Travis Spurlock and Alvin Spurlock.

He is survived by daughter Susan (Donny) Spurlock-Rawlins of Fritch; son Wesley (Susie) Spurlock of Stratford; and daughter Kathy (Max) Plunk of Lawton, OK. Grandchildren surviving him include Kelby (Amber) Friemel; Crystal (Brett) Hicks; Annie (Jason) Dozier; Brady (Julie) Plunk; Walter (Nicole) Spurlock; Cody (Madison) Plunk; and Jennie (Mike) Spurlock-Rayfield. 13 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. He is also survived by a brother-in-law Dr. Duane Tinkler and wife Jeanie of Amarillo; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. The family would like to express sincere appreciation to the entire staff of Park Place Towers and BSA Compassionate Care Hospice for the loving care they provided to Neal and family.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family ask memorials be made to Lollipop Junction, PO Box 411, Stratford, TX 79084 or Connect Community Services, PO Box 533, Fritch, TX 79036.