- Date Of Death: January 28, 2022
- State: Florida
Spurgel Jaudohn Hicks, was born September 13, 1945, to Roscoe C. Hicks and Nina L. (Story) Hicks in Texarkana, Arkansas. Shortly after his birth, the family of three moved to Los Angeles, California. While residing in Los Angeles, California he became a big brother. In 1950, he along with his mother and sister returned to Arkansas and remained there until 1952.
Spurgel’s education began in Texarkana, Arkansas and continued in several Los Angeles City Schools. He graduated at the age of sixteen from Oak Grove High School in Rosston, Arkansas. While enrolled at Arkansas AM&N (now University of Arkansa at Pine Bluff), he became involved in the Civil Rights Movement, joining the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), in staging and participating in anti-segregation demonstrations.
In 1963, Spurgel joined the United States Navy and reached the rank of Petty Officer Third Class Radarman. He was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Constellation CVA-14, and made several deployments to the western Pacific and Vietnam. In May 1966, Spurgel prepared for his first full-blown war cruise. He was underway for operations off Vietnam.
Spurgel began his employment history with Pacific Bell Telephone Company as a telephone installer and repairman. He was employed by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, Xerox Corporation, and spent many years as a manufacturing representative for various black hair care and beauty products in the USA and South Africa.
Spurgel enjoyed numerous hobbies and activities including tracing family history, taking RV trips, hiking, watching nature programs, hunting and camping. As an avid reader he spent a multitude of hours researching various and sundry subjects. He thoroughly enjoyed the special times with family and friends.
In 1987, he met the love of his life, Billie Jones. They were united in holy matrimony in October 1988. Billie and Spurgel began their travels after retiring. During a trip to Florida in 2012, Spurgel was diagnosed with cancer and became a resident. Billie’s devotion of 33 years involved over ten years as a loving and dutiful wife while Spurgel suffered from cancer and various other medical conditions. She faithfully encouraged him to continue his life as an adventurer, optimist and to NEVER GIVE UP.
On January 28, 2022, Spurgel went to sleep in Jesus.
Spurgel leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Billie Hicks; sisters, Roscolyn Yvonne Menefield Carson, CA, and Dianne E. Moon Huntington Beach, CA; sisters-in-law, Karriem Dixon Las Vegas, NV, Carol King (Michael) Hesperia, CA, Joyce Townsend Bellingham, WA; brother-in-law Peter W. Jones Los Angeles, CA; son, Jaudohn A. Hicks San Antonio, TX, daughters, Stefanee A. Hicks Columbus, IN and Christina M.Conley (Steve) Cincinnati, OH; stepson, Charles W. Jones (Tanya) Costa Mesa, CA; uncle, Philip V. Story Los Angeles, CA; aunts, Ethel Story Los Angeles, CA, Doris Oliver Los Angeles, CA, Gloria Jefferson Los Angeles, CA and Thelma Nora Carson, CA; seven grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
