Walker “Duvy” Duvall Spruill, Esq.
Walker Duvy Duvall Spruill, Esquire died on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at his residence at the age of 77. Duvy was the son of Eleanor Duvall Spruill and Judge James Alexander Spruill, Jr.
A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 2827 Wheat Street in Columbia, South Carolina, at 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the Barr Center. Following services at St. John’s Episcopal Church the family will receive family and friends at the family home.
He attended the University of the South, in Sewanee, Tennessee and was a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law.
Duvy was a camper, counselor, and Director of Sky Valley Camp in North Carolina.
Duvy joined the law firm of Turner Padget in 1971, after serving as Law Clerk to Chief Judge Clement F. Haynesworth, Jr. of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. During his more than 52-year career at Turner Padget, Duvy was recognized by the USC School of Law by receiving the prestigious Platinum Compleat Lawyer Award honoring alumni who exemplified the very highest standards of professional competence, ethics, and integrity. Practicing in the area of business and commercial litigation, Duvy’s legal excellence was repeatedly recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Martindale-Hubbell, Benchmark Star Litigators, Best Lawyers in South Carolina, and Legal Elite. Duvy was a leader in the firm, served as the firm’s Counsel for many years, and was a mentor and friend to all. Duvy’s law practice was storied, but as his law partners would attest, more significantly, he was the heart and soul of the firm.
Duvy dedicated his life to the service of others in Jesus’ name. In his lifetime, he donated over 10 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross and he persistently welcomed others to connect with Jesus. He served others through his work with Kairos Prison Ministry, Cursillo of South Carolina, Harvest Hope Food Bank, and his many hours dedicated to building, and fostering community in his church homes.
When he was not serving others, you could find him crying through Hallmark movies, fishing with his grandchildren, working in his yard, spending time with his siblings, and showing up for his grandchildren’s activities and sports. Some who knew him well called him The Termite because he collected wood, enjoyed being among the trees and could often be found cutting firewood and fat lighter for the people he loved. Duvy set the bar high for how human beings should operate in the world and how we should treat each other.
Duvy is survived by his dog, Donut, of Columbia; three daughters, Robbie Kalish (Page), of Columbia, South Carolina, Elizabeth Rust (Rob), of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Walker Spruill (Jaisen), of Wilmington, North Carolina; four amazing grandchildren, Josie, Dempsey, McAulay, and Molly, who will always know that “D” loved them fiercely; three sisters, Eleanor McNish, of Columbia, South Carolina, Mack Riddick (Dan), of Glade Hill, Virginia, and Marion Spruill, of Columbia, South Carolina; a brother, Jimmy Spruill (Sarah), of Cheraw, South Carolina; his many friends who respected and loved him.
Memorials can be sent to St. John’s Episcopal Church, Kairos of South Carolina, Post Office Box 22421, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925, or any organization which helps feed the hungry.
Oh my! What an example he has given anyone who has had the opportunity to know him- even just a little!
His integrity, humility, loyalty, courage , generosity, leadership and love impacted me- even though most of it was from afar! The legacy he has left his family is such a gift!
The sorrow of him being gone – will obviously be a battle for his family – praying your broken hearts will be healed one piece at a time!
Duvall represented my father and me during a trying ordeal in the early 90s. His wise, calm counsel was invaluable. He was an exemplar of a thoughtful gentleman. He blessed our lives well beyond legal representation.
It is heartwarming to read the tributes to my old high school classmate Duvy. He was always one of our brightest and kindest classmates during our Cheraw High School days. My condolences to all his family and to Donut as well. God blessed us all with the life of Duvy Duvall.
Duvy was a wonderful Christian man. I had the pleasure of working with him and being a friend for 49 years and found him to be compassionate, kind and gracious. Duvy and Jody were always very down to earth and Ronnie and I were fortunate to be called their friends. During a difficult time in mine and Ronnie’s life these last three years, he stepped up, as always, and showed the love and support he was always so good at. He has left a wonderful legacy that will live on through his family and friends. We know that the Lord has welcomed him with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Duvy was the epitome of a true southern gentleman. I had the honor of being his beloved wife Jody’s cousin. I am so very blessed by God to have had him in my life to laugh with, cry with and seek counsel with. His wife and beautiful daughters were the center of his universe. He will be missed by many. He is now back with Jody and our very dear Lord. Thank you Duvy.
A remarkable man from a remarkable Spruill family. My thoughts and prayers are with you this day. I think of you often as I continue to enjoy Cousin Eleanor’s paintings.
The Spruills and Tillmans lived side by side on Kershaw st. in Cheraw for many years and were very close friends and continue to be although Duvy’s parents have been deceased for a number of years now and they their home was subsequently sold by the family. Duvy and his siblings grew up next to my grandparents and my uncle Francis until each graduated high school/college and moved on with their loves. Duvy and my first cousin Gordon Watts were close as children the same age living side by side in Cheraw during their first years of life. Without getting into what could be a lengthy message I will stop with just a heartfelt, Sorry to learn this! Duvy was so respected amongst his peers and friends. His father and mother will no doubt welcome him home with them.- Bill Tillman- and for the Tillmans who knew Duvy in Cheraw who have also claimed their reward.
What wonderful remembrances of Duvy. He was a special person but that is not surprising as he exemplified how I remember his wonderful Spruill family in Cheraw.
I called Duvy the night my husband died to ask “How long does it take for the soul to leave the body?” Duvy said “I don’t know, Teri, but what can I do for you?” He unlocked my house, cleaned it up, made coffee and greeted us with loving arms at 4 a m, after our drive home from Atlanta. Some weeks later, I called Father Mike Jones and told him Duvy didn’t know about the soul departure time. Mike said “Teri, let me tell you something: If Duvy doesn’t know, nobody knows.”
I will do my best to live the remainder of my life as Duvy lived his: loving others as God loves us.
Duvy was one of my mentors as a young attorney, but he was a better friend. God just doesn’t make them any kinder or better than Duvy. I was fortunate to call him a friend and, though I moved away from Columbia over 30 years ago, a part of Duvy and Jody has stayed with me through the years. May your family find peace and may his memory be a blessing for all who love him.
So very privileged to know Duvy. He was truly one of a kind in every way. Deeply saddened by his passing. My heart goes out to all who loved him so very dearly.
Our sermon on Sunday was about our tendency to place too much importance on earthly belongings. The things we build up in this life will multiply and echo in eternity. Our Minister asked a simple, impactful question. When you arrive in Heaven, how many people will be waiting to welcome you so they can thank you for getting them there? I can’t imagine the receiving line for Duvy. He was truly an angel. All of our love and deepest condolences to the family. Donuts on the weekends will feel different. Love y’all so much.
Working with Duvy and having him for my friend makes me feel so blessed. He was one of a kind and will certainly leave a legacy of good deeds and memories to cherish.
Such great sadness and sorrow for everyone’s loss including ours. Many, many memories gone by.
He was always so nice to me. He will be missed. My Grandmother will help him on his journey to HEAVEN. Look for Hazel Springer Born November “11”, 1933. YAHWEH Bless you all. ~Jasmine Gaillard
Duvy was one of my best friends and mentors. He brought me to EFM (education for ministry) and Kairos, a prison ministry) at Broad River Road correctional institution.
I will always remember his smile and sweet voice. Duvy would cry over anything that would touch his heart, which made me cry as well. I will always remember you, my friend and I can only hope I touch as many lives as you have. You will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
Dear Spruill Family
Our condolences to each of you. Duvy was a special person and will be truly missed by each of you.
De Colores, Duvy. You will be missed by so many that you touched, whether recently or long ago. You did make a difference.