Augustus Gus' R. Spruill

74, of Banksville, PA, returned home to be with his Lord, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, October 16, 2012, after a long and fruitful life. Rev. Spruill was born on January 20, 1938; he is the eldest son of the late Julie Gray Spruill and the late William (Bill) Spruill. Gus was raised in Beltzhoover, PA and spent a portion of his adult life in both Beltzhoover and Banksville, PA with his family. In 1963, he met and subsequently married the love of his lifetime, Essie L. Spruill, of Panola, Al. During their 47 year union they were blessed with three children, two sons, Brent and the late Brian Spruill, and a daughter, Monique Spruill. Gus graduated from PITT in 1976 and served honorably in the U.S. Army. Gus spent 28 years serving as a community relations officer for the Pittsburgh Police force; he later served as a commander for the Pittsburgh School Board police for 7 years. Gus was active in the community serving as a deacon and chairman of the deacon board at Morning Star Baptist Church, Clairton, PA. Rev. Spruill received a calling to preach the gospel and became a licensed minister in 1994; he was later ordained on July 2, 1995. Rev. Spruill served as the pastor of Sunrise Baptist Church from August 27, 1995 till his retirement in 2011. Visitation with the family will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, October 19, at Slater Funeral Home on 1650 Greentree Road Pittsburgh, PA. 15220 - 412-563-2800. A funeral service celebrating Pastor Spruill's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 20th, at Mt. Lebanon Christian Church, located at Cedar Boulevard at Hollycrest Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15228 - 412-531-8554