Joe Jimmy Spiller

ELM VALLEY: Joe Jimmy Spiller, 62, passed away on Monday, January 7, 2018, surrounded by his family and friends at the time of his passing. A private service will be held at a later date, directed by Fry~Smith Funeral Home, Tuscola.

Joe was born on December 10, 1956 to Jimmy Legg and Sarah Kay Carpenter in Paducah. He attended school in Arlington and graduated from Sam Houston High. He enrolled at Tarleton State College and was on the rode team, after two years at Tarleton he enlisted in the Air Force and attained the rank of Sergeant. Joe was a decorated Air Force veteran and upon his separation he returned to school, and graduated from New Mexico State University. He was a 32nd degree mason and received the Golden Trowel.

He worked for the United States Forest Service and Rescue in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Then he found his calling of ranching and bit and spur making.

Joe moved to Cranfills Gap, where he started his ranching career, and discovered his 35 year love for bit and spur making. He then moved to Wingate and then Elm Valley where he expanded his business, Spiller Bit and Spurs; which are premiere bit and spurs and are highly sought.

Joe’s talent in the bit and spur making landed many praises and articles in the Western Horseman and several other publications; he was named one of the top ten Western Artists in 2000. He also went on to win numerous reining cow horse competitions and cutting championships. He had the honor to drive the Longhorn herd in the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Joe is survived by his wife Judy (Scott) Wilson Spiller of Elm Valley; parents Sarah Kay and James Robert Spiller of Palo Pinto Lake; son, United States Air Force First Lieutenant, Jacob Robert Spiller and wife Whitney Dawn of Aviano, Italy and their daughter Maci; daughter Melissa Ann Spiller Knittle and husband Robert of Burleson, children Haley Elizabeth Rudd, Gabrielle Renee Rudd and Grady Robert Knittel; sisters Sally Jane Lanier and son Cody Stewart of Flatonia; and Beverly Ann Reinders and husband Chuck of Carrollton. He is also survived by numerous cousins, special uncles Gene and wife Karen Legg, uncle Max Legg; aunts, nephews, nieces and a million customers and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Jimmy Legg.

Condolences can be left at www.fry-smith.com.