Darrell V. Spruill
Moyock – Darrell Victor Spruill, Sr., 90, passed February 16, 2015. Mr. Spruill was born in Columbia, NC to the late, Haywood W. and Ella Ansley Spruill. Darrell was predeceased by his wife, Leona Phelps Spruill his brother Haywood E. Spruill, two infant brothers, sisters Marjorie S. Sanderson, and Betty Jean Clifton.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Pamela S. Newby Calvin of Virginia Beach, Jackie S. Hathaway Barry of Chesapeake, and Darrell V. Spruill, Jr Deanna of Currituck; sisters, Catherine Gardiner and Dorothy Erickson; 6 grandchildren, Christian D. Newby Ana, Justin R. Newby, Allison H. Rohrer John and Marc N. Hathaway, Kyle A. Spruill, Joel R. Spruill and 1 great grandson Nathaniel J. Rohrer.
Darrell was a 53 year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local # 147. He began his career as a heavy equipment operator with the state of North Carolina operating a cable crane. With his oldest brother in the Army during WWII Darrell was required to return home to manage and run his family’s “Victory” farm until the end of the war. Afterwards, he resumed his operating engineer’s career relocating to the Old Dominion.
Some of Darrell’s many landmark projects include Scope, Waterside, Anheuser Busch Brewery, Lynnhaven Mall, Crestwood Elementary, Tallwood Middle School, I-64, Virginia Initiative Treatment Plant HRSD, and numerous projects throughout the Tidewater and Peninsula regions.
He always considered his greatest achievement to be his family. His dedication, strength, integrality and values influenced not only his children but his extended family, community, friends and co-workers. Darrell’s advice to his family was to be the best at whatever vocation you chose and to let your work be your best advertisement and you would never want for a job. This is how he lived his life both personally and professionally.
Darrell was not all work and no play, he was an amazing gardener, enjoyed saltwater fishing, driving on the beach, and socializing. He seldom met a stranger. In his very young days he was known to do a little back country racing.
The family will receive friends at Altmeyer Funeral Home, Chesapeake on Friday from 6:00 until 8:00 pm. A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 2:00 pm at St. David’s Episcopal Church Cemetery in Creswell, NC. The family request in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc. or the American Lung Assoc. Condolences may be expressed to the family at altmeyer.com.
A quote from Lee Iacocca’s book: “My father always used to say that when you die, if you’ve got five real friends, then you’ve had a great life.”
This quote has sat on my mind for the past weeks when I had thoughts of Darrell.
As Mr. Iacocca said “a GREAT life”. Your father loved and was loved. Darrell Victor Spruill, the father, the grandfather, the father-in-law, the husband, the brother, the uncle, the friend, the man who loved God – Darrell had a GREAT life. Many people had a GREAT life because of this MAN. And Darrell Victor Spruill was a MAN.
Darrell was Peggy’s Uncle and my dear friend! A strong,honest,and ethical man second to none. He always called me “Hard Rock” as I to him.He worked tirelessly all his life, and now is his time to rest! Fairwinds “Hard Rock” We love and miss you.
Dear Jackie and family:
We are sad to hear of your loss. God Bless You All.
Most sincerely,
Marvin and Patricia Powers
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how you are feeling right now. Darrell was a wonderful person. I remember the times when we were all together on Wood Ave. Sorry, I didn’t get to see you last week. Please take care.
May GOD give this family the strength needed during this time of sorrow and for the future….AMEN
My prayers are with family. Always remember the good times and especially all the good laughs. This helps me, still missing my father, he passed 2007.
Uncle Darrell was a wonderful man. I sure will miss that “hard rock.”
Your Dad was a good man, he always treated people the way he wanted to be treated. He had only good things to say about all of you. He got me my first job the summer after I graduated from high school. I rode to work with him every day that summer. I really cherished the time I got to work with him and all the things he taught me, including, a lot of good life lessons. I will miss him. Lot’s of love to all of you.
Mickey