Philip Sprague

Mr. Philip “Phil” Sprague, age 80, of Newnan, formerly of Lawrenceville, Georgia, passed away peacefully Monday, March 20, 2023, at Piedmont Newnan Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born August 23, 1942, in Newton, Iowa, to the late Raymond “Lefty” Butler Sprague and Gladys Mae Van Baale Sprague. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sandra Sprague Miles, and two children, Heather Lee Sprague and Thomas Matthew Sprague.

Phil grew up in Newton, Iowa, and was a 1960 Graduate of Newton High School. He later graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa, in 1964. After college, Phil took a job with International Harvester. He remained with International Harvester, later called Navistar, for his entire career, working in Des Moines, IA, Kansas City, Missouri, and Atlanta, Georgia.

Everyone who knew Phil knew that his two greatest loves in life were sports (especially the Cubs) and family. He met his beloved wife (Ruth Ann Henderson Sprague) of 48 years when he needed to borrow an extra TV because he didn’t have enough TVs at his apartment to watch all of the sports that were on that day. His children, Matthew, and Emily, grew up with Phil frequently being their coach but always being their biggest fan and cheerleader. Over his lifetime, Phil spread his love of sports to everyone around him. Phil enjoyed mentoring and coaching youth basketball and track and served on the Blue Valley Recreation Board in Kansas City. He loved the joy of competition and was always ready with the latest statistic or upcoming game schedules. After moving to Newnan in 2015 to be closer to his son, Matthew, and his family, Phil spent many hours at his grandsons’ sporting events, always the proudest grandfather at the fields or courts.

Phil was also active in Masons, Eastern Star, and Amaranth. He was the Master Mason of Lawrenceville Lodge in 1994 and remained active in the Masonic community, holding many local and state offices.

Phil spent his last years as a resident at Ansley Park Health and Rehab, where he was a beloved friend to many residents and staff. He always had a smile, joke, or kind words for everyone. He was loved by all who knew him and will be dearly missed by many.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 1 o’clock at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 3 Village Road, Newnan, Georgia 30265. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Philip Sprague Youth Sports Scholarship Fund - https://www.gofundme.com/f/philip-d-sprague-scholarship.

Survivors include wife, Ruth Ann Sprague of Newnan; son, Matthew Sprague & wife Mary Elizabeth of Newnan; daughter, Emily Sprague of Atlanta; grandchildren, Benjamin D. Sprague, Lucas E. Sprague, and Nolan M. Sprague of Newnan.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.mckoon.com.