Henry Mallory Spurlin (March 21, 1917-February 26, 2012)

Henry Mallory (Spud) Spurlin, 94, passed away Sunday, February 26, 2012 at the Glenwood Healthcare nursing home facility following an extended illness.

Mr. Spurlin is preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Madie Lee Windham Spurlin, and his sister, Kathryn Jordan. Papa Spud will be greatly missed by his son and daughter-in-law, John Henry and Sherry Spurlin of Scotland; grandchildren, Macy Lynn Spurlin of Lyons, Skylar and Heather Spurlin of Alamo, and Bobby and Noel Cox of Acworth; one great-granddaughter, Rozilynn Cox of Acworth; and several nieces and nephews.

Spud was born to Albert and Ola Mae McDaniel on March 21, 1917. He was born and raised on a farm in Lowery, Georgia in Fayette County. His family moved to College Park in 1926.

In order to support his mother and sister following his father's early death, Spud's first job was at the Grove Barbecue Stand, which paid seven dollars per week. During this same year, Spud enlisted into the National Guard and served with Company D-122 Infantry Division. His first assignment was with the National Guard Motor Pool at Fort McPherson. In 1935, he was assigned to regular duty and his salary increased to $9.65 per week. It was during his enlistment in the National Guard that Spud developed a life-long friendship with Governor Eugene Talmadge. Spud became a trusted aide to Governor Talmadge and became familiar with Talmadge's private life, business endeavors, and executive acts. While employed with Talmadge on his various farms, Mr. Spurlin acquired the nickname, Spud, due to the numerous loads of potatoes he hauled. This nickname remained with him throughout his life. Other nicknames given to Spud over the years included Hank, given to him by classmates and Columbo, given to him by various sheriffs in South Georgia. Aside from Spud's employment with Talmadge and law enforcement, he worked at the Chevrolet plant in Atlanta and was an insurance salesman.

Spud's employment with law enforcement began in 1941, following the creation of the highway patrol. Spud first served as license examiner. Later, he was promoted to trooper, then to sergeant. Finally, Spud became a member of the G.B.I. and remained there until his retirement in 1975. During his years in law enforcement, the cigar was Spud's icon. Even though he never smoked, he constantly held a cigar in his mouth.

Spud was known to share many stories over the years. During Spud's tenure with the G.B.I. he encountered many experiences and worked many cases. One of the many cases that remained vivid in Spud's mind involved a store robbery. This particular store was robbed by two different robbers on the same night and neither of the two knew the other was present in the store. Spud would often tell the story, laugh, and shake his head.

Aside from his colorful years in law enforcement, Spud accomplished many things later in life. He received his Criminal Justice degree from South Georgia College at the age of 43. Additionally, he took an interest in writing and wrote several poems.

Spud was a 60-year member of the Helena Masonic Lodge #536 and a member of the National Guard. He was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church. While attending First Baptist Church he served as Chairman of the Usher Committee, President of Men's Sunday School, Sunday School teacher, R.A. Counselor, and Training Union Director. He also was a member and former President of the Retired Peace Officers Association. He also served on the Executive Committee of the G.B.I. Division.

In summary of his life, Spud was quoted as saying, "I have had a good life and my rewards are many. God mapped out a plan for my life through his son, Jesus Christ." He often shared that the greatest gift was love and without love, we couldn't understand life's purpose.

Lowe's Funeral Home of Helena is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held from 6:30-8:30 at Lowe's Funeral Home on Monday, February 27. Masonic funeral services for Henry Mallory (Spud) Spurlin will be held at the First Baptist Church in McRae on Tuesday, February 28 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in McRae.