Aaron Spillman, Jr.'s Obituary
Eulogy for Aaron Spillman Jr.
In 1972 a young American Soldier, fresh off the battlefield of Vietnam arrived in Seoul, South Korea for his newest assignment. It was here he met a local girl named Yong Sook. The two quickly fell in love, married, and had their first child. This was the beginning of a beautiful story that was important in the lives of many, but especially their three sons; Aaron, James, and David.
Everyone I talked to said that they will remember Aaron as a strong man, deeply devoted to his faith in Jesus Christ. He talked about Jesus everywhere he went. He lived by the principles of the Bible. The family shared stories of how they were impacted by his generosity; a trait that he believed made him more like Jesus.
One son recalls a time when his Dad was in the drive thru at the bank withdrawing some money. The teller asked Dad if he wanted to donate to charity for cancer research. To this son’s amazement, Dad handed the teller $500.00. She was seeking sponsors for Relay for Life. Although Aaron did not know the woman, he felt it was a worthwhile cause and a good use of his money.
Another Christ like trait Aaron Spillman displayed was forgiveness. One son tells of a time when he spent lots of money to bail him out of a situation when he had made some bad decisions. Although what the son did was wrong, and he deserved punishment, this loving father still went to bat for his son. This is exactly what Christ did for us on the Cross when He gave His life for us. -The innocent for the guilty.
Before Jesus went to the cross he taught his disciples to “turn the other cheek” when someone did them wrong. Aaron did this when his wife’s parked car was hit by a drunk driver. Mr. Spillman would have been justified by reporting the situation to the police and having this man prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Instead, he chose to forgive the man. He could not stand the thought that this man’s life would be ruined because of a mistake he had made. Instead, he prayed for the soul of the drunk driver. He prayed he would find Jesus someday.
As a Vietnam War Veteran, Aaron Spillman has seen his fair share of trouble. Doctors diagnosed him with PTSD as a result of the horrors he saw on the battlefield. Some of his medical problems were linked to exposure to chemicals while in Vietnam. His experiences from the war had a big impact on him his whole life and continued to haunt him.
Being a Veteran also shaped his life in many positive ways. He was a strong proponent for Gun right and a lifetime member of the NRA. He believed strongly in protecting our 2nd amendment right. He was a staunch conservative and a Republican. He believed it is important to honor our Veterans. He understood more than most, that this freedom we enjoy in America came at price.
Although this father was a busy man, he prided himself most of all on being a family man. One son recall’s his favorite childhood story, “Dad was very busy, but he took time off work when I was really young to take us camping at the coast in a camper.” Another son recounts, “Dad was playful. He loved to chase us around the house and tickle us when we were little. We would laugh, and have a great time, which was typical in our household at this time. He was so strong he could pick up two sons at a time and hold them up as high to the ceiling, one in each hand.” Another son said, “Dad is my super hero.” He loved one woman his entire live, and stayed completely devoted to her until the end. She recalls, “Aaron was a good father. He disciplined the children, yet they always knew he loved them. It was my privilege to raise our three boys together. Our greatest accomplishment is that we were able to give our boys the knowledge of God’s Word that they need to make wise decisions as men.”
Aaron depended on the Lord. By God’s grave he was able to face every challenge and adversity that came his way in life. Even through cancer God showed him Grace. God spared him the pain of living though many more years of terrible suffering that often come from lung cancer. Although we will miss him, let us thank God for His grace. Let us also be grateful to God for the blessed assurance that we will see Aaron again someday in heaven. But only if you are saved by the precious blood that Jesus spilled as a sacrifice for our sins. I am sure this is the message he would want you to hear today. The gospel is Aaron Spillman Jr.’s legacy.
What’s your fondest memory of Aaron?
What’s a lesson you learned from Aaron?
Share a story where Aaron's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Aaron you’ll never forget.
How did Aaron make you smile?
