Ted L. Spurlock

Ted Lee Spurlock, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, following complications related to Parkinson’s disease. Born on March 7, 1938, in Versailles, Missouri, Ted was the son of Mary Lou (Baker) O’Neal and TL Spurlock. He graduated from Central High School in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1956, where he met the love of his life, Sonja Faye (Mode) Spurlock. They were married in June 1957 and celebrated 68 years of marriage earlier this year. Ted is survived by his devoted wife, Sonja; their daughter, Taunya Lynn (Spurlock) Huggett; son-in-law, Brian Huggett; and grandsons, Ryan and Shaun Huggett. He is also survived by his brother, John Robert O’Neal (Linda); niece, Cristy Akers; and nephews, Brian O’Neal (Aun) and Josh O’Neal (Melanie). He was considered both a brother and father figure to Sonja’s surviving brothers, Ronald Mode and Jesse Smith (Brenda). Ted began his professional journey in the retail and credit industries, holding early positions at Klines and GEM Department Stores living between Kansas City and St. Louis until 1972. In 1973, he joined JCPenney as Assistant Regional Credit Manager in Kansas City, Mo. launching a remarkable 25-year career with the company. Ted rose through the ranks in Credit and Business Services, relocating with his family to Atlanta GA, Middletown NJ (serving in New York City), and finally to Dallas TX. Among his many achievements, he led the relocation of JCPenney Credit and Consumer Banking operations to Dallas in 1986, ahead of the company’s headquarters move to Plano in 1988. He played a pivotal role in the development and expansion of the JCPenney private label credit card and was instrumental in acquiring the renamed JCPenney National Bank in Delaware in 1982. Named Senior Vice President in 1980, Ted later assumed responsibility for Government Relations and JCPenney Insurance Companies in the U.S. and Canada. In 1995, he joined the company’s Executive Committee as Executive Vice President of Financial Services and Government Relations. He retired in 1998 at the age of 60. Ted also gave generously of his time and leadership to numerous organizations, chairing or serving on boards including the United Way of Greater Dallas, the International Credit Association, the National Foundation for Consumer Credit, and the National Retail Merchants Association, among others. A beloved mentor and friend to many, Ted remained closely connected to his JCPenney colleagues long after retirement. Throughout his life, Ted cherished time with his family. He enjoyed vacations filled with camping, boating, water skiing, and snow skiing. In retirement, he and Sonja spent time at their second home in Naples, Florida, where Ted captained his 55-foot yacht, Champagne Lady, navigating the Florida coast and Bahama Islands. In 2007, they returned to Dallas to be near family, sharing more adventures through cruises to Europe, Ireland, Alaska, and the Caribbean. Ted built lifelong friendships and left a legacy of warmth, wisdom, and generosity. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., May 29. 2026 at the Versailles United Methodist Church in Versailles, Missouri. Interment will follow at Versailles Cemetery.

Ted L. Spurlock

March 7, 1938 - August 29, 2025

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Ted L. Spurlock

March 7, 1938 - August 29, 2025

About Us

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