Earl Brice Brice Sprouse

Earl Brice Sprouse, 85, of Nebo, died Thursday, August 1, 2013 at the Hospice House of Rutherford County. Born on February 11, 1928 in McDowell County, he was the son of the late John Henry Sprouse and Lela Lawing Sprouse.

Mr. Sprouse served in the United States Army as a paratrooper. He was a member of the McDowell County Cattlemen’s Association and a member of Macedonia Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon.

Mr. Sprouse was a truck driver for 38 years. He drove for Johnson Motor Lines for seven years, Carolina Freight for two years and W&L Motor Lines for 29 years. In 1968, he was the state truck driving champion.

He is survived by his wife, Iva Marie Arrowood Sprouse; son, Earl Ray Sprouse of Hickory; sisters, Ann Sprouse Reel of Nebo, Zula Sprouse Stafford of Charlotte, Mavis Sprouse of Marion and Nora Sprouse Worthen of Nebo; brothers, Larry Lee Sprouse of Hickory and Wayne Kellan Sprouse of Marion; granddaughter, Brandy Sprouse; great-grandchildren, Cadance and Hunter; and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at Macedonia Baptist Church with the Reverend Steven Painter officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 or to Macedonia Baptist Church, 1372 Macedonia Church Loop, Marion, NC 28752.

On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.kirkseyfhmarion.com.