James Kenneth “Jimmy” Spurlin, Sr., 71, of Ty Ty, died Thursday, September 28, 2006, at Tift Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 1, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. in Tifton’s First Baptist Church Sanctuary, Dr. Wayne Roe officiating. Graveside services will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Pallbearers will be former players coached by Mr. Spurlin, Greg Crumley, Dr. Greg Anderson, Dan Richardson, Larry Willis, Dr. James Scott, Dr. Steve Rigdon and nephews Tye Cottle, Dusty Cottle and Brian Warren. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 30, 2006, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Mr. Spurlin was born on August 17, 1935 in Tift County. His parents were the late Walter Crawford Spurlin and the late Estelle Connor Spurlin. Mr. Spurlin was a graduate of Tifton High School. While attending Tifton High School, he lettered in baseball, basketball and football. After high school graduation, he attended ABAC and played on the baseball team. He then attended the University of Florida and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.
Mr. Spurlin was a member of Tifton’s First Baptist Church for 57 years. He was a former coach and teacher at Turner County High School. He then took a position at Tifton Federal Savings and Loan and was employed there over 20 years before taking a position as vice-president of Citizens Security Bank. He was retired from Citizens Security Bank.
Mr. Spurlin was very active in the community. From 1976 to 1992, he served on the City Commission. During this time period, he served as Vice Chairman. From 1996 to 2000, he served on the County Commission as Chairman. He also officiated and coached youth sports for over 30 years. His teams won numerous titles including five national softball championships. A youth baseball field was named in his honor, “Jimmy Spurlin Park”. In 1992, Mr. Spurlin was inducted into the Georgia ASA Softball Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport. Mr. Spurlin also served in the National Guard Reserves.
Mr. Spurlin is survived by his wife, Gwen Cottle Spurlin of Ty Ty; three sons and daughters-in-law, Ken and Connie Spurlin of Tifton, Johnny and Dana Spurlin of Tifton and Joe and Cindy Spurlin of Tifton; one daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Kevin Belflower of Tifton; one sister, Laurel Spurlin Crawford of Alabama; and seven grandchildren: Jamie, Julianne, Ashley, Adam, Brooke, Josh and John Thomas, all of Tifton.