Monroe Keith Spillman Sr.

Monroe Keith Spillman, Sr. 78, of Salisbury, North Carolina passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness Friday, April 3, 2026 at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center. Monroe was born September 16, 1947 in Cooleemee, NC to the late Alphonso and Sally Spillman. He was the sixth of eight sons, and was proceeded in death by both parents and six brothers. Growing up in and around Cooleemee Monroe worked on his family’s farm while attending Cooleemee Elementary and Davie County High School. On February 14, 1966 Monroe enlisted in the United States Army. He received basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Fort Gordon, GA and Fort Campell, Kentucky before heading off to Vietnam and spending almost 12 months abroad. He was a heavy truck driver in the 592nd Transportation Company Cam Rahn Bay completing several coils in Cambodia and Thailand hauling the second highest tonnage for his unit who’s main mission was hauling ammunitions from the beach. For his service he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star and a Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. After Vietnam, Monroe transferred to the 890th Transportation Company at Fort Carson, Colorado driving military buses, chauffeured top ranking military officials, training at the Transportation Motor Pool and attending realty school. On Feb 13, 1969 upon completion of his enlisted service he transferred to the USAR Control Group (Reinforcement) USACC St. Louis, Missouri and began serving as an Army Reservist. He received additional training at Fort Benjamin. On June 25, 1976 he completed the 120th ARCOM Noncommissioned Officers (NCO) Academy at Fort Bragg. In July of 1977 he completed a Chemical Staff Specialist Course at the USAR School in Charlotte. For his honor and service to his country Monroe received an Honorable Discharge for each of his assignments until his last discharge April 10, 1978. While serving as a reservist Monroe settled down in Rowan County and began working. In 1970 he met his wife of 54 years, Cheryl Hall and they married and had a son Monroe Keith Spillman, Jr. the following year. He helped start and partnered Esso Service Station in Cooleemee and worked for Colonial Steel, General Tire and Oil Products in Salisbury. While working at Oil Products he attended Rowan Technical College earning certification as a Nurse Assistant. In the early 80’s Monroe was self employed at China Grove Par Service Staton. The majority of his career he worked security for several industrial sites around Rowan, Iredell and Mecklenburg County. He achieved Captain at his last position of 15 years. After retirement he worked with is wife and son and spent time with family. Monroe was a hardworking, loving husband and father that lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. A proud United States Army veteran, Monroe served his country with honor and carried that same spirit of service into every aspect of his life. He was an avid gardener, a handyman around the house, mechanically inclined, and was one to help others. He enjoyed traveling from the beach to the mountains with family as well as camping and fishing. Those left to cherish his memories are his wife Cheryl and son Keith. He will be missed by many. The family will receive friends from 12-1 PM Friday (April 10) at Summersett Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 1 PM in Summersett Memorial Chapel, officiated by Rev. Larry Gilbreath. Burial will follow at Rowan Memorial Park Mausoleum with military honors. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Spillman family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Monroe Keith Spillman Sr.

September 16, 1947 - April 3, 2026