Eugene "Gene" M. Sprouse

Eugene “Gene” Maxie Sprouse, Sr., 93, of Craigsville, went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Augusta Health Shenandoah House in Fishersville.

He was born on July 17, 1932, in Craigsville, to the late William Tarrif and Vera Ann Massie Sprouse.

He was a faithful member of Little River Church of the Brethren in Craigsville. For many years, he faithfully served as caretaker of the church’s chapel and cemetery. He also took great pride in his work as groundskeeper for the Estaline Presbyterian chapel and cemetery.

Eugene retired from the Virginia Department of Corrections. In the earlier part of his life, he worked at Lehigh Portland Cement Company until their closing in 1968, and also worked at Western State Hospital for twenty years.

He was born the son of a farmer and continued farming his entire life. He loved working the land, loved collecting old tractors, and antiques and was his happiest when he was in the fields and working in his large garden that he produced each year.

He loved beach trips with his family, taking car rides in the country, and sharing stories of his childhood and growing up in the Valley. Gifted with a remarkable memory, he enjoyed telling others about his family and their ancestral history. Above all, he loved his family deeply.

He is survived by his wife, Lucinda “Cindy” Kay Campbell Sprouse; his daughter, Debbie Swisher and her husband, Denver; his sons, Larry Eugene Sprouse, Dennis Sprouse and his wife, Remy, Steve Sprouse and his wife, May, Eugene “Gene” Sprouse, Jr. and his wife, Jennifer, Jason Sprouse, and his stepson, Aaron Campbell; his ten grandchildren; his five great-grandchildren; his sister, Lula Weeks, Vivian Dunsmore, and Doris Wright; his brother, Fred Sprouse; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Dora Lee Campbell Sprouse; his brothers, William Lynwood, Nelson Leo, Sylvester Williamson “Red”, and Hersey Michael Sprouse; and his sisters, Clara Louise Nycum and Juanita Christine Bennett.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton with Reverend Russell Heinrich officiating.

Interment will immediately follow at Estaline Presbyterian Chapel Cemetery in Craigsville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Estaline Chapel and Cemetery for the upkeep of the grounds (1718 Estaline Valley Road, Craigsville, VA 24430).