Oliver Raymond Spurling

Oliver "Raymond" Spurling, 61, of Benton, passed away Sunday, December 6, 2009 at his residence. He was retired from the United States Marine Corp where he served during the Vietnam War. He was the recepient of the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was of the Church of God faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard J. Spurling and Zula McLemore Spurling. He is survived by his daughter, Heather Spurling of Sneads Ferry, NC; brothers, Calvin Spurling and wife, Wilma of Sweetwater, Tony Spurling and wife, Wanda of Georgia, Steve Spurling wife, Ann of Benton, M. L. Spurling and wife, Janice of Athens and Paul Spurling and wife, Tammy of Dalton, GA; sister, Linda Jo Hocutt and husband, Gregg of Alabama; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home of Benton with the Reverend Jerry Heron and the Reverend Howard White officiating. Interment will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in Hopewell Springs Cemetery in Monroe County. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 8, 2009 from 5:00-7:00 at the funeral home prior to the service. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Spurling family guest book at www.higginsfuneral.com.