Douglas Wayne Spruill

Douglas Wayne Spruill went to be with the Lord on Sunday November 3, 2024. Doug was born in Dallas, Texas on September 22, 1942, to his parents Vasol and Cleo Spruill. He was the third and youngest born to the family. Growing up in Irving, Doug loved playing sports such as baseball and football. He excelled at the former where his achievements on the baseball field often made the Dallas Morning Newspaper.

While in college at The University of Texas at Arlington, Doug served in the ROTC program while completing his Engineering Degree. During that time, he also met the love of his life, Shirley Riddle on a golf course in 1962. Their courtship lasted 3 years with Doug and Shirley tying the knot January 30th, 1965.

In 1966, Doug left his new bride and family to proudly serve his country in Vietnam. While serving in the Army, Doug reached the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the 574th Ordinance Corp. After completing his 2-year commitment, he came home to Shirley excitedly ready to start their life and build a family together.

Doug started his career as a Civil Engineer with HNTB. He worked hard day in and day out to build his craft and to build his teams to be the best. Building his teams at work wasn’t the only team he wanted to build. Doug and Shirley started their own team by adopting a beautiful baby girl (Michelle) in 1968. Michelle brought so much joy that they decided to adopt a boy (Jason) in 1974. Doug and Shirley were proud of the family (team) they have built. Their love was strong for each other and to their kids. They built this team based on the Lord. They were faithful members of the Irving First Baptist Church until 1979 when Doug’s job moved to Houston, Texas. Doug built roots in Kingwood by purchasing a new home and becoming a member of Kingwood First Baptist Church. These roots grew deeper when in 1988, Doug and Shirley welcomed their miracle baby boy (Zachary) to the family.

Doug finished his career after working for several engineering firms after the passing of his beloved wife in 2018. He walked away from his craft leaving a mark that spread far through the engineering world. No job was too big or too difficult, they just called the project “The Doug Special”.

In his spare time and retirement, Doug enjoyed watching football and playing golf both he did till his last days. Douglas Wayne Spruill left a mark not only in the engineering community but also with his family and everywhere he traveled. A recent quote comes to mind by Nick Saban, “Do Simple Better” really embodies how Doug Spruill conducted himself. Master the little details to be prepared for life’s challenges every day.

Doug is preceded in death by his father Vasol, his mother Cleo, his brother Jim, and his wife Shirley. He is survived by his sister Barbara Dunn, his daughter Michelle Jakelis and her husband Rix, Son Jason and his wife Alison, son Zachary and his wife Karen, nieces and nephews Phillip Dunn and his wife Alisa, Paul Dunn and his wife Brinda, Preston Dunn and his wife Mindy, Doug Spruill, Dan Spruill, David Spruill, Diane Calvin, Courtney Johnson and their families. Grandchildren are Jason Jr., Caleb, Evie, Ryder, Elliot, Ness, Oscar, Zavier, Zoe, Sofie, Lucie and his great grandson Roman Paez.

A visitation for Douglas will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Kingwood Funeral Home, 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, TX 77339. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM, 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, TX 77339. A reception will occur Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM, 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, TX 77339. A committal service will occur Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.