Ollie George Sprouse, Jr., 94, of Dunlap, passed away Wednesday, March 29 at his home on his family farm. He was a member of Welch Chapel United Methodist Church.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving for two years in Germany and other locations. He was a proud graduate of Tennessee Technological University and actively supported them through youth involvement activities and other routes until his passing. He was employed by the state of Tennessee as a soil scientist for his entire career, and worked independently in the capacity as well for several years.
His hobby for many decades was genealogy, especially after his retirement 30 years ago. He spent thousands of hours tracing his family back into the late 1700's and talked extensively about this passion until the time of his passing. He has numerous records that the family hopes to have added to the permanent archives, at his request.
He also enjoyed spending time at Tansi, showing horses, farming and fishing.
George was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Octa Hughes Sprouse; sister, Dorthea Lou Dotson; and brother, Danny Clyde Sprouse.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Margaret Sue Lamb Sprouse; brother, Larry R. Sprouse; sister, Dean (Roy) Johnson, all of Dunlap; sons, Allen (Gail) Sprouse, of Rossville, David (Sherri) Sprouse, of Birmingham, and other children; grandchildren, George Sprouse, Victoria Sprouse, Justin (Ryan) Sprouse, Lauren (Shane) Hutchinson and other grandchildren; great-grandsons, Kaine LaFevor, James Sprouse, Colt Hutchinson and other great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Lisa (Steve) Harmon, Dr. Richard Sprouse, Ryan (Karah) Sprouse and their children, Jan Lamb, Debbie Vaden; a number other family members; and special family friend, Lamar Johnson and his family.
Visitation will be held Monday, April 3 from 3-6 p.m. at Ewton Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Funeral service will be held at 6 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Jason Humberd and Ryan Sprouse officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Sequatchie Valley Honor Guard. Burial will follow on Tuesday, April 4 at 1 p.m. at Dry Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Cookeville.
Ewton Funeral Home & Cremation Center in charge of arrangements.