Lawrence Eugene Sprague

We lost our dad on Valentine’s Day.

He was Husband of the Year and Father of the Year, every year, since 1968…58 years running. Won every year. He loved those roles more than any others in his life. He modeled kindness. Thoughtfulness. “You think of others before yourself.” “Leave it better than you found it.” And always …”Keep Smilin’” —always keep smilin’. He was protective of his kids. He kept us safe and taught us life lessons so that his protection surrounded us when he wasn’t with us. Change a tire? He made us learn that. “Don’t trust another driver just because you have a green light.” “Always wait for someone to get in the house when you drop them off.” “Please and thank you.” Did he hold doors for you? Always. Did he close the car door for you once you were in? He did that too. Did he come to the rescue? Every time. He loved his dogs. He loved babies and little kids. My aunt told us, as a young father, he doted on us and loved us so much. Years ago, a cousin told us that we just had no idea how lucky we were to have our dad.

What he did for a living was never anything he would carry on about. Who made his life a life worth living, is. We took family trips revolving around seeing things. Grand Canyon. Chicago. Camping here, hotels there. Rest breaks at midnight at a gas station to keep good time? We did that too. He loved our mom. He said she’s what makes our family a family. Without her we wouldn’t be. Without her, he wouldn’t be. His parents, Anne and Paul, were there to welcome him home. He met our mom’s mom, Jean, for the first time, too, and her husband Bill, who I’m sure was standing proudly by her side. If any of his children were to pass before him, he would not last much longer. The grief would have crippled him. He was stoic. Observant. A master at a dad joke. And another. And one more to boot.

He was the first child of Paul and Anne and became the oldest of 9 over the next 20 years.

His siblings and their spouses will miss him. His 6 kids will carry on his lessons, whether to their spouses, their own children, their friends, their students or co-workers…anyone who knows a Sprague, they know Larry. If you love one of us, or like one of us, you loved and liked Larry. We are heartbroken and we are grateful, and we’ll miss him until we don’t, when he greets us again with a strong hug, and a few little back pats. He did that until his last days. That is something Alzheimer’s never stole from him.

—Keep smilin’

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Candi: his daughters, Jennifer (Tom) Crow of Evans, Ga; Angie of Tucker, GA; Stacey of Atlanta, GA; and Gina of Denver, CO; and his sons, Ryan (Jeni) of Tallahassee, FL and Daniel (Lisa) Sprague of Marietta, GA.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Carly Crow of Denver; Alex (Cassie) Crow of Martinez, GA; Emily Crow Carabajal (Diego) of Jacksonville, NC; Bennett Crow of Evans, GA; and Caedmon, Jackson, Andrew, Toby, Lucy, and Anna Sprague of Tallahassee, FL.

He was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Claire and Adam Crow.

He is further survived by his brothers, Paul (Nancy), David (Wilma), Chris (Doreen), and Steve (Debbie); and his sisters, Mary Lou Lively, Vickie Buckley (Jim), Althea (Randy) McMonagle, and Loretta (Bob) Moore, as well as his 78th best friend, Sam Lilly, and his wife Suzanne.

Lawerence Eugene Sprague was born march 16, 1945 in Mansfield, Ohio. He was raised in peoria, Illinois. He was 80 years young.

He attended Lewis University, where he earned a degree in Biology, laying the foundation for a successful career in the medical field. During his time at Lewis University, he met His wife in Chicago. He later proudly served in the United States Army at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, an experience that helped shape his discipline and strong sense of service.

He dedicated his professional life to a career in medical sales, where he was known for his integrity, work ethic, and the meaningful relationships he built along the way. Multiple transfers throughout his career eventually brought him to Augusta in 1979, where he chose to put down roots and raise his family.

Above all, he was a devoted husband and father who was deeply involved in the life of his family. Whether through scouting, Indian Princesses, sports, or home improvement projects, he was always present supporting, coaching, building, fixing, and cheering them on. His steady guidance, quiet strength, and unwavering love created a foundation that will continue to carry his family forward. His greatest pride and accomplishment was the family he loved so deeply.

His legacy lives on through the generations of family who carry forward his love, his lessons, and the many memories they shared. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral/Celebration of Life plans will be scheduled at a later date.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com