Dennis Estle Spurlock

Dennis Estle Spurlock passed away peacefully on Feb 14, 2024 at the age of 73. He was born August 23, 1950, in Merced, California. His childhood was spent in Planada, where he made many lifelong friends. He attended Planada Elementary School, then graduated from Le Grand High School in 1968. While in high school, Dennis worked at both the Planada Hancock Gas Station and Spurlock Lumber Company. He attended Merced Jr. College in 1969 where he enrolled in mechanics courses. His uncle helped him begin his agriculture career with Hollis Roberts at Cal Mission Orchards on Kibby Road in Merced. There, Dennis’s leadership and passion for the land flourished. When the manager-at-the time left, Dennis was already running the ranch from the shop. Hollis quickly saw the leader in him and promoted him to ranch manager. He managed the ranch for over 25 years, well into its ownership by Viktoria Orchards. While managing Viktoria Orchards in the 1980’s, Dennis’s love for people showed itself through service to his community as President of the Merced Chamber of Commerce, volunteer Fire Chief for the Planada Fire Department, and member of the Castle Air Force Base Community Counsel. He also served on the board that merged the Planada Sewer District and Planada Water District into the Planada Community Services District. After his time at Viktoria Orchards, Dennis continued his career in agriculture managing Hillview Packing Company’s Dry Yard in Los Banos for 10 years before retiring in 2008. His love for the land and Caterpillar Tractors never waned. Dennis shared a deep love of travel with those closest to him and throughout the years enjoyed cruises, overseas adventures, and countless memorable weekends in Monterey with his wife. He loved his Labrador Retrievers, Sprocket and Brodie, and knew they loved him so much more. Dennis is preceded in death by his parents Charles Estle Spurlock and Doris Jane Spurlock and his brother Charles Douglas Spurlock and brother in laws Edward Drum and Floyd “Bud” Neely. He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years Brooke Spurlock, 2 sons: Dennis Spurlock (Tina) and Mark Spurlock (Tina), 2 stepsons: Stephen Sherman (Andreana) and Justin Sherman (Erin), 3 grandchildren Connor, Donavan and Valerie, 3 step grandchildren Nicholas, Brienne and Emily, 2 step great grandchildren Luca and Gio, 2 sisters: Janie Drum and Barbara Dysart and several nieces and nephews. His wife would like to express her sincere gratitude to Valley Caregiver Resource Center and Bristol Hospice for all their support through the past few years. The compassion and assistance you have demonstrated will never be forgotten. To all our friends and family, Dennis loved every one of you with his whole heart. To the crew at Black Bear who saw him every day throughout the years and always found the humor in his disposition: he loved you all. Thank you for keeping a smile on his face, especially during the difficult times when he was not feeling his best. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, 4pm - 7pm at Stratford Evans Funeral Home located at 1490 B Street, Merced, CA 95340. A graveside service will be held Friday, March 8, 2024, 11:00am at the Merced District Cemetery located at 1300 B Street, Merced, CA 95341. Reception immediately following at the Stratford Evans Hall.