William Henry Sprouse, Jr. 87 of Crozet, died at his residence on March 9, 2015. He was born on October 7, 1927 in Waynesboro, VA, the son of the late William Henry Sprouse, Sr. and Mae Sprouse McDaniel of Greenwood. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lula Belle Carter Sprouse, and two sisters, Agnes Bowman, and Irene Shifflett.
He was raised in Greenwood, VA and attended Greenwood School and Miller School , where his number was 99.
He leaves to cherish a son, William Stewart Sprouse and wife Debbie of Greenwood, VA, four daughters, Debra Ann Hughes and husband Eddie of Greenwood, VA, Lynita Dawn Nobles and husband Kevin of Charlottesville, VA, Donna Maupin and husband Robbie of Crozet,VA, Michelle Leigh Rappold and husband David of Staunton, VA. One sister, Connie Pleasants of Waynesboro, VA; three brothers, Warren Sprouse of Waynesboro, VA, Bobby Sprouse of Crimora, VA, Wayne Sprouse of Waynesboro, VA; nine grandchildren, Lynn, Casey, Jessie, Jordan, Katie, Jack, Ethan, Will, and DeAnna; and two great-grandchildren Kendall, and Cannon.
He retired from ConAgra Frozen Foods in l987 and had thirty-three years of truck maintenance service. He served in the Army/Merchant Marines in World War II. He graduated as fireman, oil and water tender. He sailed with the Texas Oil Company to Venezuela, on a steam engine tanker. He was in the first Army draft of Albemarle County 1951, Korean War. He served with the 736th Gun Battalion, in Wilmington, Delaware with the 90mm guns. He protected the White House during the Cuban crisis.
His hobbies included gardening and running his 1907 Case Steam Engine in parades and steam shows in Virginia and West Virginia. He also loved caring for his horse, Sunday, known as his best friend.
The family will meet friends Thursday, March 12, 2015 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M, and a Memorial Service will follow at 1:00 pm at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Butch Owen officiating.
andersonfuneralservice@gmail.com