COLUMBIA, S.C. – Funeral service for Billy Hopkins Sprayberry Sr., 86, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2013, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 1, 2013 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel.

Mr. Sprayberry, known as “Sarge”, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2013 at the Dorn Veterans Hospital, The Warriors Walk Unit. Born in Newnan, Ga., he was the son of the late Alonzo Herman and Ercell Hopkins Sprayberry. Sarge served his country in the U.S. Army during both the Korean and Vietnam wars receiving two Bronze Star’s. After retiring, he went on to teach ROTC and the Honor Guard at Lower Richland High School, where he was the golf coach. Sarge was a 50 year member of the Fort Jackson Lodge 374 A.F.M. and 32nd degree Scott’s Rite Mason’s, Valley of Jackson Lodge and Andrews Chapel Methodist Church, in Newnan, Georgia.

Sarge was known for his July 4th BBQ celebrations where generations of family and friends came together and where many memories were made and shared.

Surviving are his sons, Billy H. Sprayberry, Jr., David W. Sprayberry, daughters, Arlene (Marion O.) Traxler, Katherine A. Sprayberry; Stepson Hans Mayr; seven grandchildren Tray Traxler, Travis Traxler, Ryan Sprayberry, Ashley Sprayberry, Birgit Mayr, Elizabeth Mayr and Clemons Mayr ; brothers, R.B. (Angelynn) Sprayberry, and Gene (Boots)Sprayberry and his faithful dachshund companion, Tiny.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Rosa Mayr Sprayberry; brothers, Julian Sprayberry, Dorris M. Sprayberry and sister, Hilda Reid.

Memorials may be made to Epworth Children’s Home, 2900 Millwood Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Warrior Walk nurses and staff for their deep compassion, love and care given to Sarge and the family.