John Marvin Spruill
My Grandfather
No member of my family deserves to be on the internet more than my late grandfather John Marvin Spruill (Papa). While educated as an architect, he was an astute student of nature and always gave Lew and I our most educational toys. He gave me and taught me to use Erector Sets (6 1/2, 8 1/2, 3 1/2), a chemistry set, and my microscope I use today. In the 1960's I got up from a nap and found him making drawings showing the light defraction on chlorophyll as he was trying to understand why grass is green! He taught me how to crank up and run tractors and bull dozers. On my dad's first date with my mom my dad's T-model got stuck in a ditch and Papa picked up the rear end of the car and set it up on the road! No one, besides my mom, could sing us to sleep and make us feel safe in the worst thunderstorm. We sure do miss you Papa! /Hugh
John Marvin Spruill (Papa) and my grandmother Ruth Huddleston Spruill (MeMaw) in 1950
John and Ruth in 1958 on their farm in the Smithfield community near Bowdon, GA
At the family home we call "the rock house" on 9/2/56
Easter 1955, Papa with my younger brother Lew and I at his farm.
Papa on his beloved John Deere
Papa and MeMaw in 1966 in Ft. Pierce Florida where they lived then.
Papa with my youngest sister Rebecca in 1962 at North Beach in Ft. Pierce, Fl.
Papa, his son Darrow,and Art Halverson in 1944 going hunting.
Papa and my sister Billie Anne. Papa sure did like rocking chairs!
Papa and his brother Zach. How handsome!
Papa and his beloved dog Bullet
Polly (my mother's sister), Ruth (MeMaw), and Darrow (my moms brother) at Bonnie's first home in Bowdon.
Ruth Huddleston Spruill (MeMaw), my grandmother, mid 1940's.