Teddy Garfield Spurgeon

Teddy Garfield Spurgeon went to be with the Lord Friday, November 11, 2016. He was born in Knox County on July 29, 1943. He is preceded in death by his parents Lon Bruce Spurgeon and Estelle Spurgeon; and by his sister Fanny Juanita May. He is survived by wife Carol Spurgeon, children Lon Spurgeon and wife Rebecca Spurgeon; Melinda Spruce and husband Barry Spruce and grand children Wesley Spruce and Brianna Kline. He is survived by Sisters Auretta Kirby and Francis Day and brother Benny Spurgeon. Teddy is also survived by many nephews and nieces including: Steve May, Roger May, Carl Vineyard, Jeremy Spurgeon, Heather Woods, and Eric Spurgeon.

Teddy was a successful business owner along with his family for many years in the horticulture field. He helped start and run Gateway Greenhouses in Maryville Tennessee of which he was president and chief financial officer. In retirement he continued to pursue a part time hobby and business in watch and clock repairs. He was an avid collector of antique clocks and also player piano rolls which he played on the player piano he repaired himself. Teddy was a lifelong devoted Christian and faithful and active member at Island Home Church of Christ, Chapman Highway Church of Christ and Smoky Mountain Church of Christ, where his son preaches. He actually helped build the church buildings for Chapman Highway and Smoky Mountain. Teddy was also actively involved in the worship services in different capacities including teaching a teenagers class at Chapman several years ago. He also collected and read many historical books on the Restoration Movement, and it’s fair to say a self taught scholar on the Bible and Restoration history. Being an entrepreneur and small business owner was well suited to Teddy’s many vocational skills such as being a licensed electrician, lay plumber, welder, mechanic, carpenter, and brick mason. His greatest skill though was in growing and cultivating flowers of which he was very well known throughout East Tennessee. Later in life he used his growing skills to pursue gardening as both a hobby and extra source of income.

Those who got to know Teddy will all attest to his quiet humble disposition, his honesty and integrity in all things and his devotion to Christ. Many may not be aware of his courageous endurance of major health issues from a young age or the encouragement and advice he gave many throughout his life and his untiring love and care for his family. We grieve his loss but rejoice in his crown of life. The Family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Monday, November 14, 2016 at Berry Highland South on Simpson Rd.; the service will follow in the chapel at 7:00 p.m., with Steve May officiating. Burial and graveside service will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 15, 2016, at Berry Highland South Cemetery. We invite you to visit our website at www.berryhighlandsouth.com to leave your condolences and messages for the family.