Robert Louis Spruill

Robert Louis “Lou” Spruill passed away on August 7, 2015 at the age of 82. Lou was a wonderful father, a beloved grandfather and a loving, devoted husband -- a true family man. He is survived by Frances, his wife of 54 years; his children: Luanne and Mike Gutermuth, and Chris and Dawn Spruill; and grandchildren: Ciara Spruill and Caroline, Jack and Matt Gutermuth.

Born September 21, 1932, and raised in Portsmouth, VA, Lou was the youngest child of Clarence Brannin and Florence Taylor Spruill. Like others who grew up in the 30s and 40s, Lou was greatly influenced by the Great Depression and World War II. He was at the same time frugal (how many times did he tell us to turn off the lights?!) and generous. As a boy he enjoyed golf, working as a caddie and playing on his high school team, where he was co-captain. He has now passed along this life-long favorite pastime to his grandsons. As a preteen during World War II, he was coerced into dancing with the older girls given that many of the young men in the neighborhood were away fighting in the war, and became quite a good dancer and a fan of swing music.

After serving in the Army during the Korean War, Lou earned a BS in Industrial Engineering from VA Tech. His first job was at VEPCO, where he met the love of his life, Frances Saunders. He spent most of his career at the Patent and Trademark Office, where he retired in 1992. He even continued supporting the PTO, working part-time as a contractor past the age of 80.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brothers, Howard and Clarence Spruill, and his sisters, Lydia Bright, Margaret Turner and Shirley Didio. Lou's love and respect for his siblings extended to his nieces and nephews, and he thoroughly enjoyed keeping up with them. In fact, a family reunion at Frances' and Lou's home last summer became a favorite memory and a highlight of recent years.

A long-time resident of Springfield, VA, Lou was an active member of the First Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School, coached basketball, repaired homes and church buildings during mission trips and served as a Deacon. He coached Little League baseball, supported his children by attending all sorts of sporting events and band concerts, helped out with school fund raisers, participated in Neighborhood Watch and assisted elderly persons with their tax returns. In other words, he was the kind of man who makes a community the kind of place you want to raise your family.

Certainly, one of his absolute favorite things in the world was spending time with his grandchildren. "Pop Pop" was a strong, positive influence in their lives. He loved watching them play ball, swim, sing, perform at school plays and concerts, and made sure they knew how proud he was of them.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 17 at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church, Springfield, with visitation at the church on Sunday, August 16 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm and Monday, August 17 from 10:00 to 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Lung Association.