Howard Gully Spinks

Howard G. Spinks, 74, passed away peacefully at his home on November 9, 2020, due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease.

Howard, best known as “Hoppy,” was a lifelong resident of De Kalb and was born to George P. Spinks and Addie J. Spinks in October of 1946.  He married the longtime love of his life Ramona in June of 1967, and following their marriage, they both attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where Mr. Spinks obtained a degree in physical therapy.

Howard, a member of Pleasant Springs Presbyterian Church in Preston, loved his family, friends and the good Lord above.  He was a talented songwriter and avid musician who loved sharing his musical talents and was always prepared, guitar in hand, for a good pickin’ and singing.

For over thirty years Mr. Spinks was a rural letter carrier on Route One in Kemper County.  If you ask any of the residents in the area who he served during that time, he was much more than a mail carrier; he was a friend. He was always willing to help anyone in need and had a special place in his heart for the elderly in the community.  Whether it was a loaf of bread, gallon of milk or can of snuff, he was always glad to go beyond his job requirements to ensure that everyone was taken care of and had what they needed. Most of all, he was just as loved for lending a helping hand as he loved doing it for anyone in need.

Howard’s most cherished blessing was his family.  He loved being a father to Melissa and George, grandfather to Harlie Luke, Emma Spinks and Ella Spinks, and great grandfather to Olivia Crapps and Cullum Luke.  He also always had a special place in his heart for animals, especially the family cat, Freckles.  But most of all, Howard lived for his loving wife of more than fifty years, Ramona.  They loved each other unconditionally and were a model couple that many could only aspire to be like.

Mr. Spinks was predeceased in death by his mother, Addie Jean Spinks and father, George P. Spinks, of De Kalb.  Survivors include his wife, Theresa Ramona Spinks of De Kalb, his children Melissa Wheeler (Rick) of De Kalb and George Spinks (Keyla) of Collinsville, his grandchildren Harlie Luke (Hunter), Olivia Crapps, Emma Spinks and Ella Spinks and a great grandchild, Cullum Luke.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Spinks, Freddy Gully, Johnny Breckenridge, David Barefield, Dickie Barefield and David Huffman.  Honorary pallbearers are Marion Breckenridge, James Key, John Creekmore and John McArthur.

Howard’s family would like to give a special thank you to Jennifer Grace, Scarlett Leeper and the dedicated staff of Quality Hospice for the love, compassion and care they have provided to Mr. Spinks and his family during this trying time.

Mr. Spinks’ family would ask that you come and celebrate his life at a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, at Pinecrest Cemetery in De Kalb.  The family asks that normal social distancing rules be observed and that attendees please wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Parkinson’s Association, the American Cancer Society or a like charity of one’s choosing.