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Submitted: 7/31/21 • Approved: 8/7/21 • Last Updated: 8/10/21 • R1384503-G0-S3
May 11, 1953 - November 23, 2020
*Obituary
Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
BENTONVILLE - Dennis C. Spradlin of Bentonville, Ark., passed away peacefully at Circle of Life Hospice surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2020, at the age of 67.
Dennis was born on May 11, 1953, in San Jose, Calif., where his family built and owned residential trailer parks. In 1966, they moved to Northwest Arkansas to pursue his father's dream of running a farm. On a farm near Cave Springs, Ark., they raised cattle, hogs, chickens, turkeys, rainbow trout and channel catfish. Dennis could tell you exactly how many livestock were in each area and how many pounds of fish were in the net without using a scale. He worked hard on the family farm until his father passed away. He was then looking for a new career path.
His father and four other members of the Spradlin family had been in law enforcement. He was always inspired by his uncle, Leland Spradlin who worked his way up at the Dallas, Texas, Police Department and later became Chief of Police in several different Texas cities. So in 1974, Dennis joined the Springdale Police Department as a dispatcher. Then, in 1976, he joined the Rogers Police Department as a dispatcher before becoming a patrolman in 1977. In 1981, he was recruited to join the Bentonville Police Department as a patrolman. In 1982, Dennis was instrumental in establishing the first full-time Criminal Investigation Division in Bentonville which he eventually led as Lieutenant. There he partnered with Jerry Williams who became a lifelong friend. Around 1984, he began to command the uniformed division as Lieutenant. He truly loved working with the patrol officers, who shortened his rank title and began calling him "LT." He was fond of this and it stuck even after his career.
He was privileged to work next to Chief James Allen, learning from him and enjoying not only shared birth dates, but a lifelong friendship. He was proud to be trusted with many of the department's responsibilities. Their command staff was involved in designing the Police Department facility where it is now located. He was fortunate to be able to take a lead role in developing Bentonville's School Resource Officers program, the Officer Fitness program, K-9, SWAT and Bike Patrol.
In 1996, he was selected to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. He was granted the Yellow Brick Road award after completing three months of their fitness challenge along with advanced law enforcement management classes. He was proud of this achievement and displayed the brick on his desk ever since. During his career he also was chosen to go to Arizona Gunsite Academy where he received advanced firearm training for law enforcement. He spent many hours on the range with his officers. Dennis retired from law enforcement in 2006 after more than 30 years of service.
Around the house Dennis loved to work with his hands on construction and handyman projects. But he spoke with the most pride of the projects and improvements in the community that he had such an impact on. He was proud of everything that Bentonville has become, and loved to walk its trails with friends, family, and his dog Brie while admiring the art and culture that was blossoming downtown.
Dennis adored his family and was happiest when he was surrounded by them. He was extremely kind and generous; giving to others filled him with immense joy. Dennis was intentional with his days and loved spending time in nature. He enjoyed feeding the birds, taking beautiful pictures along the trails, hiking, and biking. Scuba diving was another passion and his face would light up any time he talked about it. He was grateful to have completed dives throughout his treatment for leukemia as he and Jami would often plan trips to Mexico before heading into his checkups at MD Anderson in Houston.
Above all, Dennis loved his family more than anything. His incredible smile and warmth will be cherished and deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife, Jami Haines of Bentonville; daughter Shelley (Ted) Courdin of Fayetteville; daughter Suzanne (Eric Spradley) West of Springdale; stepson Michael (Allison) Haines of Salt Lake City, Utah; stepdaughter Candice (Taylor) Johnson of Bentonville; eight grandchildren: David (Allie) Miller, Jayma and Cooper Courdin, Jasmine and Dylan West, Evan and Logan Spradley, and Curren Johnson; a great-grandchild Olivia Bea Miller; brother John (MaryBeth) Spradlin of Little Rock; two nephews; a niece; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
His parents, Beatrice Culbertson and John C. Spradlin preceded him in death.
The family would like to thank the doctors and other caregivers from Highlands Oncology Group, MD Anderson and Circle of Life Hospice.
If you would like to honor Dennis through giving, please consider donating to the Fraternal Order of Police.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m. at the Bentonville Cemetery in Bentonville. The state and local guidelines in reference to covid-19 should be followed by all in attendance.
Online condolence may be made at www.callisonloughfh.com.
Contributed on 7/31/21 by judyfrog
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Record #: 1384503