Dennis Wayne Spurlock

Dennis Wayne Spurlock died rather unexpectedly on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at his Lakeside, Arizona home following a lengthy illness. Dennis was 63 years old. Dennis was born in Sonora, Tuolumne County, California to the late Billy Delbert and Iris Monette (Stanifer) Spurlock. As a young boy, Dennis moved to Arizona where he was reared in Phoenix. He graduated from Sunnyslope High School in 1967. Shortly after his graduation, Dennis served his country valiantly, honorably and bravely with a branch of the U.S. State Department, the U.S.Aid, in many countries including: Cambodia, Vietnam and other war torn areas of that part of the world. Years following his faithful service, it was once asked of him if "anyone had ever sacrificed for him?" It literally took him nearly 35 plus years to talk about the sacrifice of an entire village that was made on his behalf. When he returned to his home back in this blessed nation, Dennis quickly learned the importance of having a good quality education. He began his college and university education by attending A.S.U. where he was able to receive his B.A. Degree in Civil Engineering. Following his graduation from A.S.U., Dennis began his studies to receive his Master's Degree in Information Technical Systems from M.I.T. Those years of sacrifice, when he was obtaining his education, proved to be positive experiences for him; as those things he learned and the skills he developed, literally, have served him in various job opportunities throughout the country. In his younger years, Dennis was married to Marilyn Whiting and, to their union, his first child, Jennifer, was born. Their marriage lasted nearly 4 years before, they sadly parted ways. During this time, Dennis worked as a Civil Engineer for the A.D.O.T. (Arizona Department of Transportation) for 9 years where he did surveying as well. He was able to work for several engineering firms throughout his life and gained a little more experience and knowledge from each place he was employed. A few years later, Dennis' life was forever changed when he met the true love of his life, Jean Durrant. Dennis made the choice to convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in December of 1992. The following month, Dennis and Jean made the decision to each other to become husband and wife and were married on January 22, 1993 in Tempe, Arizona. Their marriage was later solemnized in the San Diego Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where they were sealed to each other for "Time and All Eternity." They are forever grateful for those sacred commitments that they made to each other. They lived in Temecula, California, where Dennis owned and operated his own company, 'Applied GeoDynamics' for several years. Then they had the opportunity to move to Houston, Texas where he began employment for KPMG and worked as an I.T. Consultant. They were even able to live a short time in Dallas, Texas. Following the tragic attacks of 9/11 in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, the Spurlocks felt the need to move back to their Arizona roots and be close with family. They moved to Lakeside, Arizona where they have since lived. Dennis worked for Murphy Engineering in Show Low for 3 years. Most recently, and for the past 5 years, Dennis had an incredible opportunity to work for Overseas Aircraft Support (OAS), where he was well-liked by all. While there, Dennis was able to use all of the skills he has ever developed over his lifetime. He had a brilliant mind and was extremely capable working with his hands as well. Many grew to depend on him for his advice and expertise as well as his attention to detail. Also while working at his last place of employment, Dennis had great opportunities to work on and practice his "patience" skills! And, everyone appreciated him for his efforts with that task. Many thought his fuse was short but, his temperament was mild, nonetheless. In his younger years when his health was more permitting, Dennis was involved with many hobbies. Being an expert craftsman with his hands, he loved to do leatherwork and was quite gifted as a jewelry maker (especially, silversmithing). He also had a wild streak about him that few ever saw. Dennis loved skydiving, rock climbing, drag racing, target shooting and, he actually enjoyed a quiet day fishing on the lake. With his engineering skills and craftsmanship, Dennis was able to build a plane and boat. While health permitted, Dennis maintained a pilot's license and also enjoyed sailboating. When Dennis joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he became very involved with every calling in which he was asked to serve. He served as his ward's Executive Secretary, Sunday School President, High Priest Group Leader, and was currently serving as his ward's Gospel Doctrine Teacher, which by far, was his favorite calling over the years, as his testimony grew weekly as he prepared for each lesson. Dennis was a very quiet and unassuming man and as humble a man as could be. Christlike in many of his actions, he was able to forgive others of their faults and weaknesses and never bring them up again. He strived daily, to follow the example of the Savior and truly knew what the lyrics of "love one another" meant. Dennis Wayne Spurlock is survived by his large family, including: his wife, Jean Durrant Spurlock of Lakeside, Arizona; 7 children: Jennifer Whiting of Lexington, Kentucky, Karli Jean (Colby) Hueston of Show Low, Arizona, Mary Iris Spurlock of Lakeside, Arizona, Whitney Darlene Spurlock of Lakeside, Arizona, McKenna Monette Spurlock of Lakeside, Arizona, James Cameron "Jimmy" Spurlock of Lakeside, Arizona; Steven Elliot Spurlock of Lakeside, Arizona; his sister: Karen Spurlock of Show Low, Arizona; his step-mother, Irene Spurlock of Scottsdale, Arizona; 3 grandchildren: Jackson Tyler Hueston, Jeremy Whiting, Mariah Whiting; and his mother-in-law, Darlene Durrant of Lakeside, Arizona. Dennis was preceded in death by his mother, Iris Monette (Stanifer) Spurlock in 1975 and by his father, Billy Delbert Spurlock in 2007. The visitation for Dennis will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, September 7, 2012 at Owens Livinston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona 85901. The funeral service will begin promptly at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, September 8, 2012 at the Pinetop/Lakeside Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1520 Church Lane in Lakeside, Arizona 85929 where additional visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Lakeside Cemetery in Lakeside, Arizona. The entire Spurlock family and Durrant family are so thankful for all of the expressions of sympathies they have received and are especially grateful for the prayers offered up on their behalf. May each of you be blessed for your kindness and generosity and know how loved you really are.