Popular local artist dies
Published 1:37 pm Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Woodrow Wilson "Kokey" Spottedbird Jr.
One of the many murals Wilson Spottedbird painted in Chilton County. (JOYANNA LOVE/ ADVERTISER)
One of the more recent murals Spottedbird completed before he died. (FILE)
Wilson Spottedbird painted this mural for Through the Grace of God Ministries. (FILE)
Spottedbird artwork that could once be seen in downtown Clanton. (FILE)
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
From Staff Reports
Local artist Woodrow Wilson “Kokey” Spottedbird, Jr., who brightened Chilton County with his many murals died, on Jan. 1 at the age of 72.
Although he lived in Deatsville, his work can be seen throughout Chilton County. Several of his murals can be seen some in downtown Clanton at Through the Grace of God Ministries, San Juan Mission, San Marcos and MorLyn’s. He also did several paintings of people for Chilton County High School that are displayed along the school’s walls.
Spottedbird discovered an enjoyment of art at a young age. He was encouraged by teachers and friends to continue to hone his talent. He did so by attending Oklahoma State University before launching his professional career.
He moved to Alabama from Oklahoma with his wife Judy.
Spottedbird was a member of the Kiowa tribe. His Kiowa name “Kokey” which means “one with the earth,” according to a 2020 Progress magazine article about his life.
He was a U.S. Army veteran having served in the 101st Airborne during the Vietnam War.
According to his obituary, funeral services will be held on Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. at New Home Missionary Baptist Church. He will be given military honors during the interment at New Home Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.
