On July 5, 2025, Bruce Lee Spillman left his earthly abode and entered into eternity. He was born on October 10, 1946, in Joplin, Missouri, to Harold Spillman and Wintress Shull Spillman. His family moved to Springfield, Missouri, where at the age of 17 he joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Upon graduating from Central High School in 1964, he served in the Vietnam War with a one year tour of duty in Wakani, Japan. He was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1969 with the rank of Lance Corporal.

In 1974 Bruce landed in Eureka Springs where he lived the remainder of his life. To locals he was known as “Street Bruce.” He was the first bartender to work at Chelsea’s, and he had a window washing business along with various other side hustles. Bruce was known to wander off, only to return with tales of great adventures from his journeys of hitchhiking around the country. He loved the beauty and quiet of the outdoors, and lived off grid on his land for decades. He enjoyed canoeing, hiking, exploring and shooting guns. He was artistic, creative, an avid reader, and one cool cat. He was a unique individual who always spoke his mind, and was a true friend to those he was close to. He will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Bruce will be interred at Fayetteville National Cemetery on Friday, August 1, 2025, 10:30-11:00 a.m. Fayetteville National Cemetery, 1000 S Lt. Col. Leroy Pond Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701. Online condolences can be made at smithfamilyfuneralhome.net