Wilbur “Lee” Spradling, age 94, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away in his home on January 15, 2024. Lee was born to Osa and Opal (Dyal) Spradling on August 4, 1929, in Springfield. He was raised in Springfield and attended Senior High School, now Central High School. In 1947, Lee proudly joined the United States Navy. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Lee was united in marriage to Jewell Hinchey. The two were married on February 17, 1950, in Springfield. Lee and Jewell were blessed with four children: Sharon, Larry, Christine, and Pamela. On July 12, 1969, Lee and Joyce Spencer were joined together in marriage. The couple shared 39 years of marriage before Joyce’s untimely passing in 2008. Lee and Joyce were blessed with two children, Randy and Kenny.

Lee was a baptized Jehovah Witness who took his faith very seriously. After serving in the United States Navy, Lee worked for the Boeing Company, Cessna Aircraft, and Trailmobile. In 1972, Lee started his own business. For more than 40 years, Lee owned and operated Spradling Painting Service. He quickly gained a reputation for providing high quality interior and exterior painting services that were second to none. During his 40 years in the painting business, Lee served countless satisfied customers throughout southwest Missouri. He enjoyed watching old westerns and listening to country music, especially Marty Robbins. Lee was also a talented handyman who liked to build things with his hands. Fewer things brought him more joy and fulfillment than spending time with his family at Table Rock Lake.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Osa and Opal Spradling; his wife, Joyce; three sisters, Eve Berry, Dorothy Harris, and Mary Herndon; and two grandchildren, Jennifer Scott and Aaron DeMore. He is survived by his children: Sharon DeMore, Larry Spradling, Christine Wisner (husband John), Pamela Nash (husband Michael), Randy Spradling, and Kenny Spradling; brother, Donald Spradling; eleven grandchildren; six great grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends. Lee will be remembered as a simple, hardworking man who loved his family beyond measure. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

A funeral service for Lee Spradling will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024, 2:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, with Elder Billy Robinson officiating. Following the service, there will be a formal procession from the funeral home to the cemetery. Lee will be laid in the Spokane Cemetery located at 1042 Spokane Road in Spokane, Missouri.