Mr. John C. 'Johnny' Sproles

Funeral services for Mr. Johnny Sproles, 79, of Henderson, will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2014, at Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home Chapel with Pastors Pat Shannon, Pat Stephens and Rev. Rohn Boone officiating. Military graveside services will follow at Rusk County Memorial Gardens under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home of Henderson. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2014, at the funeral home. Mr. Sproles passed away Sunday, April 27, 2014, at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler. Johnny was born Feb. 28, 1935, to the late John and Bessie Mae Sproles. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a twin sister, Jackie Sproles and a granddaughter, Jodi Sproles. Johnny, at the age of 9, joined the Cub Scouts and progressed through the ranks into Boy Scouts, at age 12, then into Explorer Scouts at age 16, earning scouts highest rank of “Eagle.” He tried to live the “scout laws” throughout his life. “Trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.” In December of 1953, on the San Jacinto river, Johnny was with Mentor, Mr. C.L. Hopson and they witnessed a boating accident, in which two men were thrown into the icy river. Johnny jumped into the river and saved both men from drowning. For this rescue, he was awarded “Scouting’s highest life saving award – “The Medal of Honor.” The story was printed in detail in the “Boys Life” scouting magazine in February 1957. Johnny was featured on KLTV Channel 7 in February 2010 in recognition of the 100th anniversary of “The Boy Scouts,” narrated by Joan Hallmark on “Proud of East Texas” and the story was published, front page, in the local newspaper. He served a total of 21 years in the scouting program, becoming a Scout Master. At the age of 18, he attended the National Boy Scout Jamboree in California winning a talent show first place, playing his guitar and singing before 100,000 people. Johnny graduated from Carlisle High School in 1953. He participated in all sports and was annual photographer and was voted “Most Courteous” in 1953. He attended Kilgore College 1953-54 and Tyler Junior College 1954-55. Johnny joined the army and spent two active years in the army and spent four years in active reserve. He was an expert marksman and competed in the “National Matches” at Camp Perry, Ohio. Johnny was assigned to the 18th Airborne Corps Artillery, stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C. He toured with the “82nd” Airborne, the 101st Airborne, the 77th Special Forces on special duty and temporary duty on “Special Operation.” Serving his country was an “Honor” and a privilege. Johnny served eight years in the Henderson, Rusk County Rescue Unit. In 1964, he was employed at Texas Eastman Chemical Co. Johnny retired in 1997 with 33 years and worked another 7-1/2 years there through contract, as an electrical inspector in the Engineering and Construction Department. He was a member of the Henderson Police Department Citizens Police Academy Alumni and Citizens on Patrol for 13 years, serving as president two terms. Johnny was inducted into the Carlisle Alumni Hall of Fame in 2012. He was a very active, faithful member of West Main Baptist Church for 32 years, serving as trustee, treasurer, teacher, playing the piano, singing specials and enjoyed all the Christian Fellowship. In 1985, Johnny married Lois Pace Hutto, “the love of his life.” He remarked that she was always a source of encouragement. They were married for 29 wonderful years. Survivors include: wife, Lois Pace Sproles; children, Dennis Hutto and wife Tina; Elaine Hutto Mote and fiancé Gary Kammer; Andy Sproles and wife Ginger; Bruce Sproles and fiancé Marcia Shelton; Teri Corley and husband Dr. David Corley; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Cody Geneva, Brodie Sproles, Jason Mote, Mark Hutto, Blake Pirtle, and Jason Railsback Cox. Honorary pallbearers will be Lavern Gibson, Dewayne Pirtle, Don Poovey, Gene Kimbrell, David Velvin, Billy Soape, Wayne Taylor, deacons and trustees of West Main Baptist Church and Henderson Police Department Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Henderson Citizens Police Academy, 600 Sand Ave., Henderson, TX 75652, Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214, West Main Baptist Church, 1403 West Main St., Henderson, TX 75652, or Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701. Condolences may be made online at www.crawfordacrim.com

Mr. John C. 'Johnny' Sproles

February 28, 1935 - April 27, 2014