One day in 1979, former UNC football player Ernest Williamson walked into a small service station on Airport Road with a simple request. He wanted to borrow an air tank because his tractor had a flat tire. He was denied help by the owner, but a young man working the shift chose to help him. That simple act of kindness by that man didn’t just help fix a tractor, but helped him go from being a mechanic to the keeper of Kenan Stadium. Now, though, those keys of the stadium have to be handed over to somebody else.

At age 68, James Spurling passed away. To the outside world, he was a facility manager, but to the players, the coach, and the fans, he was much more; he was the soul of the program. He ensured everything went smoothly, from scheduling the events to organizing travel for games on the go, so he was the man.

Spurling was honored with awards, including the Ernie Williamson Award, and even had a football scholarship named after him. His impact was felt in every corner of the program.

Fans and colleagues have taken to social media to share their memories and prayers for the man who gave his heart to the University of North Carolina

Carolina family pays tribute to James Spurling

Tributes poured in almost instantly, as coaches and Carolina fans shared heartfelt memories of what James Spurling meant to them. Kentucky DC Jay Batmen wrote, “If you were ever fortunate enough to be a Football Coach at UNC you were fortunate enough to know James Spurling. What a great man and friend. Sad day.” GM Michael Lombardi added, “We are all heart broken and our thoughts and prayers are with his family. One of the greatest humans I have ever known. RIP Mr. James you are loved.”

HOF Mack Brown wrote, “UNC FB lost a Giant of a man when James Spurling passed this am. Nobody touched more hearts. RIP my Friend!” Others highlighted just how important he was behind the scenes, calling him the glue that held everything together. “The glue behind the scenes for Carolina football since the 90s,” one comment said. “If you called James for anything he always delivered!!! He knew everybody in the Chapel Hill area!!! Any issues we had from the smallest to biggest things he always had a solution!!! HE’S A TAR HEEL FOOTBALL LEGEND FOR SURE ❤️” It’s clear Spurling was the person everyone turned to, no matter the situation.

And the most powerful reactions came from those who remembered his kindness. “My goodness this is awful news. James was truly one of the nicest, most decent people I’ve known. You always felt better after a 30-second or 5-minute chat with him,” one fan wrote. “This is a big loss for UNC Football, UNC in general, and anyone who has had the honor to know him.” Another added, “The Carolina Family had lost a man who was the epitome of what it meant to be a Tar Heel. Knew him for many years. Big shoes to fill at Kenan.” As Chapel Hill grieves,  it’s clear that James Spurling was the soul of Carolina football to everyone who knew him.

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