David M Spruill, Sr.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of Righteousness…

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ASV)

David Morris Spruill, Sr., 90, passed away after a long illness on Tuesday, July 2,2025, at CareOne at Somerset Valley in Bound Brook, NJ, surrounded by his beloved son David, daughters, Andrea & Paigja along with other family members.

David (Dave) was a man whose exceptional gift was his willingness to devote his time to his beloved family, friends and associates.

David M. Spruill Sr. was born on March 7, 1935, in Warrenton, NC, to the late David Norman and Sallie Mae Spruill. He was baptized at the Greater Lovely Hill Baptist Church in Warrenton, NC. He attended schools in NC and graduated from John R. Hawkins High School. Seeking greater opportunities, he relocated to Rahway, NJ, to join with other family members.

He was a longtime member of the Second Baptist Church in Rahway, NJ, where he sang with the men’s choir and participated and supported many of the church’s programs and projects.

Dave loved to sing, and for many years He sang with the renowned Plainfield Male Chorus, traveling across the States. It was while singing with the Plainfield Male Chorus he met another songster, Shirley Baptist, and a special bond was created. They married in 1974, and through this union his only son (David) was born.

Years later he met another special someone and married Gwendolyn Spruill and the family was expanded adding two daughters, Andrea & Paigja.  David loved his children and supported them in all their endeavors. Just as he loved spending time with his son David, he loved spending quality time with Andrea and Paigja; taking them on trips to amusement parks, the beach in Ocean City, bowling, and of course taking all three to the Rutger’s Football games along with his good friend Bill Kelly.

Dave was a hard worker.  He was a dedicated and exemplary employee with an outstanding record of never missing a day of work at Thul’s Auto Parts in Plainfield, NJ, and over 25 years at Nissan Parts & Accessories Warehouse in Somerset, NJ. His work and dedication continued when his wife, Gwen, opened Kiddie College and he took on the task of taking care of all the maintenance and janitorial services.

Dave had a kind and generous heart and would help anyone. In 1977 he joined the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, State of New Jersey MOAB Lodge #70, Rahway, NJ.  In March 1988 he became part of The Most Excellent Prince Hall Grand Chapter of Holy Royal Arch Masons, Zerubbabel Chapter #5.

He was an avid sports fan; he enjoyed bowling, fishing, football, and baseball. For a short time, he played on the Royal 8’s team, part of the Union County Twilight Baseball League. His love for bowling prompted him to become part of several leagues, receiving numerous trophies for bowling over 300. The highlight of his time was spending additional time with his son going to Shea Stadium and the Meadowlands. Most of all he cherished the times spent when he and David took their weekend fishing trips to the Maryland Shore. His son was truly his heart and to say he was proud of him doesn’t say it all.  They had an inseparable bond.

Dave was predeceased in death by his, wife Gwendolyn Spruill, parents, David Norman and Sallie Mae Spruill, and siblings, Lula Spruill, William Spruill, James Spruill and Hattie Rogers.

To know Dave was to love him; his quiet demeanor and smile captured the hearts of many. He was deeply loved by his nieces and nephews—his face would light up when they greeted him; “Hey Uncle David, how are you doing?” He will be sadly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Dave leaves to cherish his memories, his deeply devoted son David Jr., daughters, Andrea  (Irene) and Paigja, grandchildren, Noelle, Elias (his little buddy), and Elliana;  sisters, Mary Reid of Warrenton, NC, and Portia Thompson of Ocean City, NJ; brothers, Leroy Spruill of Ocean City, NJ, and Kenneth (Kathleen) Spruill of Wilson, NC; mother-in law, Larnice Spruill; sister-in-law, Linda McCall; brothers-in-law Howard Jr. (Beverly) of Hillsborough, NJ, John (Joy) Baptist of Somerset, NJ, Roger (Gwendolyn) Baptist of Virginia Beach, VA; and a host of loving nieces, nephews and friends.

God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be,
So he put his arms around you, and whispered, “Come to me.”

With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away,
Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating, your working hands at rest,
We all loved your dearly, but God always does what’s best.

-Written by Frances and Kathleen Coelho, 1939.

Sadly Missed

̶̶ The Family ̶