Douglas Andrew Spurgeon

Douglas Andrew Spurgeon, affectionately called “Dougie”, “Dougie Fresh”, “DAZ” or Dad, passed from this life into his heavenly home on Friday, August 27, 2021, in New Brunswick, NJ. He was born on January 20, 1965, to the late Samuel E. Spurgeon and, Geniva (Harrell) Spurgeon. He was the youngest son out of ten siblings where he gained much attention and affection from the family. Dougie attended the Franklin Township Public Schools during his formative years. He could be found playing basketball at the Naaman Williams park near his Parkside home on many afternoons along with guys twice his size. He had an infectious laugh and loved to tease people in ways that brought unity through humour. His imitations of Ray Charles and James Brown’s phrases like “Hit me! Oh, get on the good foot” were so realistic that the family teased him about needing to be a comedian with his own stage. His entrepreneurial ability and skilled salesmanship prompted him to open his own retail business “Dougie’s Clothing” in Plainfield, NJ. After he closed the store, he continued to work in this capacity as a private clothing consultant part-time, while working full-time at Performance Food Group, Piscataway, NJ. If Dougie did not have what you wanted on hand, give him one week and you would have your requested Steelers, Giants, or Jets T-Shirt and cap in your size! Dougie enjoyed fishing, which is a pastime he learned from his father. He usually wanted a challenge added of who could catch the most fish or the biggest fish? If Dougie TOLD the story, he was always the winner! Dougie loved to eat, so every holiday he would visit his siblings at just the right time to enjoy home cooked meals. This also gave him a chance to see his nieces and nephews and assure them he was there to help them realize their dreams. Dougie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by Elder Sarah Graham at Little Macedonia Church, in New Brunswick, NJ. Throughout the struggles he endured, his faith in Christ Jesus and prayer life were always consistent. He briefly resided in Trenton where he joined the Salvation Army Choir. He sang with fervor in a strong tenor voice which resounded in melodious praise and worship. His mother rejoiced to see him giving God the glory. Once Dougie married, he and his family joined the Lighthouse Family Worship Center, in Somerset, NJ under the leadership of Pastor Dennis McNaulty. It was evident to everyone that Dougie’s love was unparalleled when it came to his three beautiful daughters, Amaris, Amiya, and Katriece McCargo. From teaching them how to ride a bike to driving a car, Dougie was always there to support his girls. He attended school trips, daddy and daughter dances, proms, graduations, and birthdays. He enjoyed playing video games, watching movies, having dance battles, and trying new foods with them. He was the fun dad and could never bring himself to say “no” to them. They were daddy’s little girls. He taught them how to be humble, confident, and loving, and helped develop their entrepreneurial skills. He will truly be missed by them but will forever live in their hearts. Douglas is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother: Clara Spurgeon; his parents: Samuel E. Spurgeon and Geniva (Harrell) Spurgeon, two sisters: Joan C. Harrell and Nellie Harrell. He leaves to honor his memory: his beloved daughters; Amaris B. McCargo, Amiya B. McCargo, and Katriece S. McCargo of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; three brothers, Rev. Dr. Kenneth J. Harrell, Sr. (Denese) of Edison; Samuel Michael Spurgeon of Morristown; James Spurgeon of Plainfield; Four sisters, Vera Harrell of Plainfield; Joanne Harrell of Somerset; Cynthia Christensen of New Brunswick; and Evonne Spurgeon of North Brunswick; his former wife with whom he maintained a genuine friendship, Yulawnda Pearson of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and a special companion Lena Sutton along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Douglas Andrew Spurgeon

January 20, 1965 - August 27, 2021