Ruth King Sproles

Velma “Ruth” Townsend King Sproles, age 90, passed away February 9, 2016. Ruth was born June 29, 1925 in Sevier County, Tennessee. She graduated from Pittman Center High School and Draughon’s Business School. Ruth married her first love, Floyd King, in November 1945 and they made their home in Knoxville and raised four children. They were members of Bell Avenue Baptist Church until moving to South Knoxville and becoming members of Island Home Baptist Church. After Floyd’s death on April 8, 1990, Ruth attended several bereavement groups where she met Hershel Sproles, whom she married on May 21, 1994. She and Hershel enjoyed attending Island Home Baptist Church and spent much of their time traveling extensively with senior groups including Top 50 at Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church. Ruth enjoyed a rich life filled with blessings including her family and many special friends. As members of her family, our lives have been greatly enriched by the example of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, June Wesley, and Litha Reagan Townsend; first husband, Floyd King; grandson Grant Alan Holtzclaw; son, Randall Floyd King; daughter-in-law, Ann Garrison. Survivors include husband, Hershel Sproles; son, Dennis King; daughters, Karen (Jim) Kilday and Angie (Alan) Holtzclaw; grandchildren, Mike King, Melinda (Gary) Allen, Westley King, Ashlee Holtzclaw; siblings, Edna Carr and June Allie Townsend; two great grandchildren, one great great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of Trinity Hills as well as her caretaker Brenda for their love and special care. The family will receive friends Friday, February 12, 2016 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Berry Funeral Home, Chapman Highway. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 11:00am at Berry Funeral Home, Chapman Highway. Family and friends will proceed to Island Home Baptist Church Cemetery after the service for a 12:00pm graveside service with Rev. Robert Money officiating. Condolences may be made at www.berryfuneralhome.com.