Harrold "Gene" Spurgeon's Obituary
Harrold “Gene” Spurgeon of Longview, Texas passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, at the age of 77.
A time of visitation for Gene will be held Saturday, August 30 9:00am at Rader Funeral Home in Longview, TX, followed by a celebration of life service at 10:00am with Brother Derrell Bell officiating. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park in Gilmer.
Gene was born March 8, 1948 in Tyler, Texas, the son of Howard Spurgeon and Marguerite Spurgeon Brown. He graduated from Robert E Lee High School in Tyler, then went on to play tennis at Tyler Junior College. Gene completed his Bachelor degree and earned his Masters in Clinical Psychology from North Texas State.
Gene married Pamela Ray on April 19, 1975 and they celebrated their 50th anniversary this year. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He always enjoyed cheering on his daughters in their activities, being courtside at volleyball or tennis, or attending school plays or band concerts.
He was hardworking and dedicated to providing quality care as a Psychological Associate in various roles in East Texas. Gene worked for Texas Rehabilitation Commission, where he met his wife Pam. He served as an evaluator for disability services for the state, managed group homes for adults with intellectual disabilities, and within numerous group treatment facilities. Prior to retirement, Gene worked as an Educational Diagnostician for Harrison County Co-op at Hallsville ISD and Waskom ISD. He was a skilled assessor who helped individuals navigate difficult circumstances, and was known for his personal and respectful approach to helping others.
Gene enjoyed hobbies of playing tennis, power volleyball, disc golf, reading, and Bible studies throughout his life. After retirement, Gene and Pam made it a point to be engaged with their grandsons making memories as they enjoyed playing, caring for them, and field trips out.
He cherished connections with others, developing friendships at each stage of life. He never met a stranger whether in his professional roles, as an active member of Greggton UMC, or in the community. Even as his Parkinson’s and dementia progressed, he quickly made friends in his memory care facilities where he was known as a helping friend to fellow residents.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Charles Spurgeon. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Pamela Ray Spurgeon; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Troy Pechman of Nashville; daughter and grandsons, Michelle Spurgeon and Caleb & Joshua Torres of Fate; his brother and his wife, Gary and Kay Spurgeon; as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him.
Gene had the benefit of participating and being an advocate for Parkinson’s Voice Project in Richardson, being a member of the Intentional Singers, and participating in South Paw Boxing Club for those with Parkinsons. After moving back to Longview, Gene fully enjoyed attending East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance Hope + Help Day Club with his many friends. The family would like to express sincere thanks for the love and care Gene received at Hawkins Creek Memory Care in Longview, as well as Lisa Scrimpsher, FNP-C and the Select Rehab team for their dedication and care.
In remembrance of Gene’s life and love, the family asks in lieu of flowers that charitable donations be made to East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance of Longview, or Parkinson’s Voice Project in Richardson.
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