Dwight Kevin Spratling

January 3, 1973 - August 3, 2025

Dwight Spratling was born on January 3, 1973, in Pine Mountain, Georgia, to Peggy Spratling. He was a man who embodied hard work and love. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a devoted member of Bethany Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir. Dwight spent his early years in Pine Mountain with his grandparents, Winston and Lucille Spratling, whose lessons of faith and resilience stayed with him long after he moved to Kansas City in the 8th grade. In Kansas City, he planted roots - both in the community and in the church. For much of his young adult life, he was a steadfast member of St. Peter C.M.E. Church and most recently, he was a member of True Faith C.M.E. Church, finding fellowship and purpose among its members. A proud 1991 graduate of Westport High School, he was a world-class athlete who excelled in track, football, and baseball. His natural athleticism, tenacity, and strength earned him admiration on and off the field. After high school, Dwight dedicated several years to serving in the Kansas City Kansas School District’s food service and later worked at General Electric in Springfield, MO.

A jack-of-all-trades with a mechanic’s heart, Dwight could fix just about anything (and if he couldn’t, he’d probably try anyway). He took pride in seeing a job through, whether under the hood of a car or behind the grill, where he mastered the art of barbecue. When he wasn’t tinkering, he found joy in fishing, golfing, and sharing his cooking with family and friends. For many years, he channeled his expertise into his work as a Parts Specialist at O’Reilly Auto Parts, where his knowledge and kindness left a lasting impression. But his talents didn’t stop at auto repairs; some of his most meaningful work happened in the kitchen, where he spent years cooking for kids in the Kansas City Kansas School District and Freedom School. To him, it wasn’t just about meals; it was about making sure every kid who walked in left full, happy, and maybe even with a joke or two from Dwight himself.

In 2011, Dwight began dialysis treatments, a challenge he met with quiet strength for over 14 years. Even on his toughest days, he never stopped doing what he loved - solving problems under the hood of a car, firing up the grill, or lending a helping hand to neighbors in need. Though his body grew weary, his determination and spirit never did. When treatments were no longer possible, Dwight entered hospice care and passed peacefully on the morning of August 3, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of leaving both things, and people, better than he found them.

Dwight was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Winston and Lucille Spratling; his uncles, Winston Spratling and Charles Spratling; his first cousins, Jelani Scott, Weston Spratling, and Andre Jackson; and his brother Marquel Spratling. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Peggy Stamps Ross and David Ross; his siblings, Willie Stamps, Robert Stamps, and Shantris (William) Fondren; his step-siblings, David Ross, Alisha (Marqus) Rose, and Vanessa Ross; his nieces and nephews, Anaya Echols-Spratling, Bryce Echols-Spratling, LaShantris Smith, Eden Fondren, Isaac Fondren, and Isaiah Stamps; seven maternal aunts, Marva Scott, Sandra (Clarence) Jackson, Caroyln (Jamie) Hill, Janie Copeland, Barbara Stinson, Cherwanda Lovett, and Janice Spratling; and a host of other relatives and friends who will forever cherish his memory.