Harvey F. Sprague

FRUITLAND- Harvey Franklin Sprague, 81, of Fruitland, died Friday, July 29, 2011 at his home, surrounded by loved ones, after fighting a courageous 19-month battle with cancer. He was born in Delmar, a son of the late Harvey and Lillie Virginia (Crouch) Sprague. Harvey left school early, working various jobs to help support his family. He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. Following his discharge from the Army he worked various jobs before becoming a route salesman for Pepsi, a job he enjoyed for many years. In his early days Harvey was a member of Delmar Wesleyan Church. He was a true family man; his greatest passion was being a husband and a father. His second passion was antique John Deere tractors. He enjoyed playing the guitar and was an outdoorsman in his younger years and loved hunting, fishing, camping and working in his vegetable garden. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Iona E. (Foskey) Sprague; 7 children, Sharon C. Hoffman of Eden, Karon A. Roberts of Fruitland, Harvey Wayne Sprague of Fruitland, Ray Allen Sprague of Siloam, Darlene S. Hamilton of Fruitland, Ashley L. Bailey of Fruitland and Sara R. Cox of Tyaskin; 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild: and a brother, William O’Neil of Texas. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 4 sisters, Jessie Steininger, Margaret Nichols, Helen Williamson and Mary Agnes Jefferson. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, and also on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm, followed by funeral services which begin at 1:00. The Reverends Howard Travers and Jim Hitch will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow at Springhill Memory Gardens in Hebron. Memorial contributions may be sent in his memory to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21803. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home, Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

Harvey F. Sprague

May 30, 1930 - July 29, 2011