Herman Edward Davis

Herman Edward Davis (88 years old), beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, Herman Edward Davis was born March 3, 1935, to Eva and Ira Davis in Carlton, AL. Herman was raised in Mobile, AL with his 10 siblings; Nathaniel, Emmet, Willa Mae, Helen, Wilbur, Leora, Catherine, James (all deceased), Jeffrey, and Eula. After graduating from high school, he moved to Chicago, where he joined the United States Army during the Korean War.

In Chicago, he first worked for the United States Postal Service and later attended Chicago’s Teacher College where he obtained his teaching degree and started working as a business teacher at DuSable high school for 38 years. Herman enjoyed traveling the world, especially with his wife Rita of 29 years. The continent of Africa held a special place in his heart. Herman enjoyed boating, fishing, and spending time with his family and close friends. Herman was always an ambitious, service and business-oriented man. Herman founded and ran two puzzle companies that highlighted black historical figures. Herman was a community activist and always served the community.

He successfully ran a campaign to close liquor stores in close vicinity to his neighborhood elementary schools. He continued service to his community by serving in leadership roles as the president of the South Shore Commission and Bryn Mawr East organization in Chicago that ran the managed integration program to prevent housing value decline during a period of racial change. His community service continued when he moved to Tennessee, becoming the first Black person to serve on the city council, first as vice mayor (2 years) and then as mayor (4 years). He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. where he was very active in his younger years.

Herman loved the Lord and his family. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Rita, his 4 daughters from his first marriage; Penny (David), Chiaka, Jennifer, and Holly, his 2 sons by marriage Jared (Laura), and Michael (Amanda), his brother Jeffrey (Dorothy), sister Eula, 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

Ethel L. Spiller

Ethel L. Spiller passed away peacefully on Jan. 6, 2024 at the age of 94 at The Waters nursing home in Springfield TN. She was born in the Mount Sharon community on April 6, 1929. Her parents were Thomas Alfred Crutcher and Ethelea Binkley Crutcher.

Ethel graduated from Coopertown High School and attended Draughon’s Business College in Nashville for one year before going to Washington, DC to work for the the Dept. of the Navy. While in Washington she met and married Clyde R. Spiller, who was serving in the Navy. After Clyde’s retirement in 1963, the family returned to Robertson County, built a home, and farmed for many years.

Although Ethel described herself as a clerical worker, she enjoyed many varied jobs and volunteer opportunities in her lifetime. In 1967 she began to serve in the Veterans’ Administration, working her way up to the position of adjudicator. She later became a veterans’ advocate at AMVETS.

Upon retirement she became active in the community in significant ways. She organized a successful legal fight against an illegal landfill on Highway 49. She also promoted the creation of North Crest Hospital in Springfield. These activities led to her effort to incorporate the city of Coopertown. She was elected the first mayor of Coopertown in 1996.

floral squareShe is preceded in death by her husband Clyde R. Spiller and son Andrew W. Spiller, as well as siblings J.T. Crutcher, Travis Crutcher, Evelyn Fann, and Stanley Crutcher. She is survived by her children, James Spiller (Elsa), Ray Spiller (Carol), and Dory Hudspeth, as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren.