Martin Spurgeon

Martin Spurgeon age 98 of Erin, Tennessee died Wednesday March 28, 2012 at Patient’s Choice Medical Center, after an extended stay at Signature Healthcare, of Erin. Spurgeon, a well-known bass singer and organizing member of the long-time gospel group The Erin Quartet was born December 18, 1913, the late Ewing and Minnie Buckingham Spurgeon. He was married to Ava Sugg Spurgeon for over 71 years. He was retired from Spurgeon Sales Company, a wholesale business started by Spurgeon in 1947. He was a fisherman, loved to hunt ginseng, and was a member of Erin Baptist Church. His most heart-felt passion was the singing of God’s Word in song. Facing many challenges, Spurgeon managed The Erin Quartet, singing continuously for over six decades beginning in 1938 and ending in 1999. During those sixty years, The Erin Quartet recorded five albums, the first being a 78rpm in 1948 played frequently over radio broadcast. The fifth recorded in the late 1980’s. The quartet traveled thousands of miles, usually within 200 miles of our local area singing in churches, and at a host of events and venues. Spurgeon’s daughter, Wanda, along with other family members sang with the group of many of those years. Throughout the singing ministry of the Erin Quartet, there was on desire: “To sing Gospel music in the Spirit with great power to make the believers rejoice and bring the unsaved to repentance, lifting up our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” In addition to his wife, Ava Spurgeon, he is survived by one daughter, Wanda Baggett and her husband Cecil, one grandson Brent Baggett ad his wife Joannie, two great-grandchildren Justin and Tabitha, five great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sister Margaret Spurgeon Dillon and brothers Lester Spurgeon, Brown Spurgeon, James Spurgeon and Carney Spurgeon. Funeral services will be March 31, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Nave Funeral Home with Bro. Paul Moody, Bro. Robert Spurgeon and Bro. Phillip Chambers officiating. Pallbearers will be Brent Baggett, Justin Baggett, Howard Spurgeon, Robert Spurgeon, Beverly Nolen, Joel Nolen and Brandon Chambers. Interment at the Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:30 p.m. till 8p.m.Friday March 30, 2012 and 8 a.m. until the hour of service Saturday March 31, 2012 at the funeral home Online condolences may be made at NaveFuneralHomes.com