RICHARD J SPURLIN (middle initial only) was born in Opp, January 16, 1937, to Ollie J and Exa Spurlin. He has three older sisters, Darsene S. Phillips, Jean S> Everage and Juanita S. Antonini. Richard married Sarah Merrill in 1960, and they have four children- Karla S. Bundy, Jill Spurlin, Melanie S. Howard and Richard J Spurlin, Jr. Richard attended Fleeta School through the 8th Grade, graduated Opp Hi School in 1955 as Valedictorian and SGA President. He graduated University of Alabama in 1959 with a BS in Bacteriology and the U of AL School of Medicine in 1963 with a Doctorate in Medicine. He commissioned a 2nd Lt in the US Air Force in 1962 and completed his medical internship at US Air Force Hospital in San Antonio, TX in 1964. He was elevated to Captain while serving at Lackland Air Force Base, Patrick AF Base and Maxwell AF Base. He served in the Vietnam War 1965-1966 and worked for the State Dept. as a civilian physician in a Vietnam Hospital, treating military and civilian war victims.
At age 2 Richard was struck with Polio. Dr. Waters and Dr. MacLennan were diligent in their treatment and successful. These Doctors’ Compassion, dedication and commitment inspired Richard to dream of becoming a doctor. Richard’s father died when Richard was only four days old, leaving his widowed mother with four children to provide for. As a teenager Richard worked part-time jobs, earning what he could to help with expenses and still keep up his schoolwork. After high school Richard applied for scholarships to help with college and his efforts were rewarded with the very prestigious W. O. Parmer Fdn. Scholarship. He continued his part-time work during the summers through college and Med School. Medical School expenses were funded in part through a “matched service” program with the US Air Force.
Part-time work experience included: Opp & Micolas Cotton Mill during summers while in high school; Building construction with Uncle Leroy Spurlin during summer while in college; and Gulf Power in Pensacola and Lab Tech at Andalusia Hospital.
Following his release from Military Service, Dr. Richard Spurlin returned to his hometown, Opp, Alabama to practice medicine and fulfill his dreams. He started his medical practice in Opp in 1967, sharing office space with Dr. J>G> Dunn and Dr. E. R. MacLennan. He opened Spurlin Clinic P.A. in 1972 and practiced Family Medicine that included general surgery, obstetrics and pediatrics until 1999. He served on staff at Mizell Mem Hospital 1967-1999. He also served as Medical Director for Opp Nursing Facility, Rural Medicine Preceptor for U of A School of Medicine for 4th year medical students and 3rd year Family medicine residents.
After his retirement from full-time practice in 1999, Dr. Spurlin continues to serve as Volunteer physician for CrossOver Ministries, the Opp Cancer Center, and Bobcat Athletics
Dr. Spurlin is an active member of First Baptist Church, serving as Deacon and Sunday School Teacher and other positions of leadership. He is an avid woodworker as a hobby and puts that skill to good use as a volunteer with Carpenters for Christ. He has involved himself in the restoration and repair of homes for low-income families in Covington County as well as with Native American Reservations in Oklahoma and South Dakota.
Dr. Richard Spurlin is a devoted family man with a compassion for people. He has served his God, his family, his country and his community with exemplary commitment. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.
