Services for Virge C. "V.C." Spurlock, 61, of Palestine were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009 at The Antioch Church, 907 E. Murchison St. with the Rev. Roy G. Duncan officiating. Burial followed at Middle Cemetery in Palestine under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home.

Mr. Spurlock died Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009 at his home in Palestine.

He was born July 27, 1948 to T.J. Spurlock Sr. and Delphinia Hunter Spurlock.

Mr. Spurlock graduated from Palestine High School in 1968, then enlisted in the United States Army. He served two years of active duty and a term in the reserves. He received an honorable discharge.

While in the military he served in the Vietnam War and earned several honors, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Combat Medical Certification and the Purple Heart. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

For many years, he was employed as a laminator at PABCO Metal Company and retired in 2002. He joined Antioch Baptist Church where he faithfully participated in all worship services.

He was a member of the Green Room and had completed nearly three years of sobriety. He continued to counsel and encourage others who were facing the same challenges.

Mr. Spurlock was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, James Edward, Eugene and McClendon Spurlock.

He is survived by two daughters, Tina Strain and Gloria Sanders; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild; four sisters, Nancy (A.C.) Brisby and Alma Watson, both of Palestine, Gloria Dial of Los Angeles, Calif. and Marian Spurlock of Tyler; three brothers, Edward (Sharon) Spurlock Sr. and T.J. Spurlock Jr., both of Palestine, and Willie J. Spurlock of Tyler; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many other loved ones and friends.

He will be sorely missed by his Green Room friends.

Pallbearers were Gary Carr, J.J. Hawkins, Jimmy Mims, Rodney Mims and James Walker. Honorary pallbearers were the Deacons of The Antioch Church.