Dwight Spruill

Dwight Spruill, age 72, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Cadence Garner Living in Garner, North Carolina. He was born on September 27, 1952, in Goldsboro, NC. He was the youngest son of the late Deacon Howard Lee Spruill and Mother Margaret J. Spruill. Dwight was a proud resident of Raleigh, North Carolina. His life was rooted deeply in faith, family, and service to his community.

Affectionately known as “Bunk” to his family and childhood friends. Dwight graduated from Smithfield-Selma Senior High School in 1970 and went on to study Computer Science at Wake Technical Community College. On September 27, 1978, he married the love of his life, Phyllis D. Spruill, a union marked by joy, devotion, and partnership.

Dwight began his professional career at Sears, Roebuck and Co. in 1971 as a retail display designer. His creative touch and attention to detail brought store displays to life and enhanced the customer experience. In 1979, he transitioned to a successful career with IBM as a Developmental Engineering Analyst. There, he contributed to groundbreaking projects in hardware and software development, system integration, and process improvement. His role not only advanced IBM’s global mission but also afforded him the opportunity to travel widely and expand his professional horizons. After decades of impactful work, Dwight retired from IBM in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, professionalism, and excellence.

Dwight was not one to remain idle, continuing to stay active through part-time work with Sunrise Janitorial Services where he enjoyed engaging with others and staying mentally sharp. He was raised in a devout Christian home. Dwight's life was anchored in faith. He would proudly say, “the Lord just keeps right on blessing me”. His parents instilled in him and his brother strong values of righteousness, self-determination, and self-discipline. As a young adult, he joyfully accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Dwight was a faithful member of several churches over his lifetime, including Mt. Zion Bible Church of God in Princeton, Fuller Street Pentecostal Church in Smithfield, and ultimately Smith Temple Baptist Church in Raleigh. At Smith Temple, he served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and President of the Male Chorus.

Dwight was a gifted musician , who played bass guitar with gospel groups such as The Golden Keys of Princeton and The Mighty Golden Bells of Raleigh. He was known for his joyful energy on stage by leaping, plucking, and singing with deep passion and praise. Music was his ministry, and through it, he uplifted and inspired many.

Dwight also found joy in life’s simpler pleasures by attending church and teaching Sunday School, solving puzzles and Sudoku , watching sports and Westerns, and meeting monthly for breakfasts at Golden Corral with close friends Rufus Short and Tommy Vinson.

Dwight was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Carrie A. Jones; his beloved wife, Phyllis D. Spruill; his father, Deacon Howard Lee Spruill; his mother, Margaret J. Spruill; and his brother, Rev. Howard D. Spruill.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving niece, Trenna Spruill-Brown (Rev. Ryan) of Smithfield, NC; his devoted nephew, Dexter M. Spruill of Princeton, NC; two great-nephews, Cedric Braswell of Princeton, NC, and Kendric Cunningham (Jasmine) of Washington, DC; two great-great-nieces, Alya and Zariah Cunningham; one great-great-nephew, Uriah Cunningham, of Washington, DC; his sister-in-law, Marilyn Davis Spruill of Raleigh, NC; a special sister, Dolly A. Leach (Fred) of Forestville, MD; three beloved aunts, Doris Fling of Sumter, SC; Carrie Mae Atkinson of Princeton, NC; and Martha McRae of Smithfield, NC; his uncle, Raymond Jones (Valerie) of Raleigh, NC; a special cousin, Larry Atkinson (Anita) of Clayton, NC; two spiritual brothers, Rufus Short and Tommy Vinson of Raleigh, NC; a dear friend, Bernice Bell of Raleigh, NC; and a host of extended relatives, church family, and treasured friends.