Parley Murriel Spinks Jr., AKA: “Merle Spinks Sr.”, age 87, died Sunday, January 9, 2011 of cancer at Westfields Hospital in New Richmond WI, surrounded by his family.

Merle was born in West Union, West Virginia on August 25, 1923, the son of Lennie and Murriel Spinks. Merle attended schools in East Salem, West Virginia. In 1942, he married Sarah Catherine Jenkins and had four sons: Ernest Rexall (Marilee) Spinks, Murriel “Merle” Lee (Ginger) Spinks Jr., Terry Lynn (Chris) Spinks, and Ricky Leon Spinks. From 1943 to 1945, Merle served in the Army Air Force during WWII, serving most of his time in Paris, France where he had a son, Jean Paul Sacilotto. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant Major of the 173rd Air Liaison Squadron.

In 1961, Merle married Ada Geraldine Tate and had a daughter, Patricia Kay Spinks, and son Randall Joseph (Kathy) Spinks. Merle moved from Chicago, IL to Lakewood, CA to continue his successful television and radio business – SUN TV. In 1977, Merle married Kay Arlene Williamson, who had two daughters: Kathleen Ann (Williamson) Spinks and Susan Ann (Williamson) Goulet. Ten years ago, Merle and Kay sold their business and retired in St. George, Utah.

Merle and Kay traveled often in their Cadillac to visit family and friends in Wisconsin, California, Utah, and Arizona. Merle loved and enjoyed being with his wife of almost 40 years Kay, his nine children, 22 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren.

Merle was preceded in death by his younger brothers, Johnny Spinks and Robert (Eileen) Spinks; younger sister, Rosemary Philips Veglia; daughter-in-law, Juanita Spinks; and granddaughter, Anastasia Spinks.

A private, family funeral service is planned. Interment will be in the Glenwood City Cemetery. Memorials are preferred. Services have been entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, 715-386-3725.