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Marvin Sprayberry Obituary
8/16/1979 5/3/2004
Little Marvin
Staff Sgt. Marvin Ross Sprayberry III, 24, of California, died the morning of May 3, in Khalis, Iraq. SSG. Sprayberry and three other 1st Infantry Division soldiers died from injuries sustained when their Humvee rolled over during a combat patrol near Khalis.
SSG Sprayberry was active duty serving in the U.S. Army as a Military Operational Specialty of a Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Maintainer in the 1st Infantry Division, Foxtrot Troop of 4th Cavalry Regiment assigned to Operation Iraqi Freedom in February 2004. During his career as a Bradley fighting Vehicle Mechanic, SSG Sprayberry served two-six month tours in Kosovo in 1999 and 2000. The 13 ribbons he earned, including the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and a promotion to SSG were awarded posthumously. All exemplified his succesful military career.
After graduating from Tehachapi High School in June 1997, Marvin Sprayberry III enlisted in the Army in July 1997, and soon thereafter was stationed in Vilseck, Germany. This is where he met the love of his life, Nadja, who became his wife in December of 2000. Marvin and Nadja continued to live in Vilseck, while he continued his military career. Marvin is survived by his wife, Nadja, and mother-in-law, Elvira Uselmann of Germany; father, Marvin Sprayberry Jr., and stepmother, Lynn Sprayberry of Tehachapi, CA; mother, Caryn Funkhouser and husband, Tom of Bakersfield, CA; brothers, Jason and wife, Kay of San Diego, CA; Shawn and Arryn of Bakersfield, CA; and sisters, Johnna of Bakersfield, CA and Jodie of San Diego, CA; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, a niece and nephew.
We are truly saddened by our loss, but also proud of the courage Marvin showed. He made the ultimate sacrifice so we could reap the benefits of living in a free country. War is not popular or unpopular in a soldiers eyes. SSG Sprayberrys political views really didnt matter. When it came to doing his job, he just did what he knew to do, and did it well. It doesnt make it any easier, but he served his country honorably. In 1777 Thomas Payne said, Those who expect to reap the blessing of freedom, like men must undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
A full honor service will be held on Friday, May 14, 2004, for SSG Marvin Sprayberry, where he will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2004, at 1:00 p.m., at the VFW in Tehachapi, CA, 221 W. Tehachapi Blvd.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marvin Sprayberry
Charlie Gili
May 4, 2021
Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Marvin R.
Sprayberry III US Army Sergeant.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families and friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Mike and Pam Dustin
May 25, 2014
Thinking of you, Remembering you, and Honoring you on this Memorial Day weekend.
Peggy Childers
May 4, 2012
May 3, 2012
To the family and friends of Sgt. Marvin R. Sprayberry:
Always remembering Marvin. "Some gave all."
jean estrada
October 25, 2011
my prayers go out to you and the days ahead.I also have a son in the army that served 2 tours in irac his name is Sgt Ross Sprayberry, his next tour is in korea. each day that these brave american heros go out to protect and serve our county and their family to sacrifice for us we all need to remember to pray for them and there families that no matter what happens they make a difference for each one of us. with out brave men like ours willing to fight for our country and our families freedom. I cant even imagine what our lives would be like. Your son is and always will be a Hero to thank and remember. Thank you for raising a awesome hero. My prayers and love reaches out to you and your family.
L Neal
June 1, 2011
To the family of Sgt. Marvin R. Sprayberry III:
Please know that just as your loved one remains in your hearts and minds; his sacrifice, and that of your family, remains with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God bless and keep you always.
Peggy Childers
May 3, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. Marvin R. Sprayberry:
Please accept my remembrance of Marvin on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
May 17, 2010
Thinking of you today like every other day. I miss you so much!! Love you, Mom Tehachapi, CA
May 9, 2010
here i am again in a place where i brake my vehicle and theres no good mechanics that can fix it and make you laugh at the same time. i miss you grease monkey, but i hold your memories dearly you truly where a good friend and brother. put a good word in to the big man for me and ill see ya again on the hill. love ya marvin. SSG Defrees
Peggy Childers
May 3, 2010
To the family and friends of Sgt. Marvin R. Sprayberry:
Remembering Marvin on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Charles H. Miranda
January 7, 2010
=======================================
FOLLOW THE RAINBOW TO HEAVEN.
=======================================
A SOLDIER HAD DIE OUT ON THE
BATTLEFIELD;
BROKEN HEARTS ARE WEEPING FOR
THEM,
BUT TAKE COMFORT OF KNOWING
THAT GOD HAD SENT THEM A
RAINBOW FROM HEAVEN;
THE SOULS OF THE SOLDIERS
HAVE GONE TO THERE HOME
IN HEAVEN,
OUR LOVED ONE'S HAS FOLLOW
GOD'S LOVELY RAINBOW IN THE
SKY;
ALL THE WAY TO THE END OF THE
SKY.
THAT LEADS ALL THE WAY TO THE
OTHER END OF THE LORD'S
HOUSE IN HEAVEN,
SO JUST KEEP ON PRAYING AND
TRUST THAT GOD WILL SEND US
THAT SAME RAINBOW IN THE SKY;
WHERE OUR LOVED ONE'S ARE
WAITING FOR YOU AND FOR ME AT
THE END OF THE RAINBOW IN
HEAVEN.
=======================================
Do A Web Search On:
Charles H. Miranda -- Or.
charlesthepoet2003
============================
Brian Brody
December 25, 2009
last time i seen you we were working at my grandpa's store in stallion springs, that was over 15 years ago, ill never forget the sacrifice you paid...february is coming up quick ill be 31 and that will make it 16 years from us stocking shelves of corn and peas and knocking over 20 botels of gaterade laughing so hard they got half way across the store be for we picked them up..it's nice to think about the good times, but i don't ever forget what you gave up and ill never let other ppl forget...you are not forgotten...it's just sad i no so many guys gone now never got to see the age of 25...all i can say is ill see you when i get there, and i am always thinking about you.
Tonya Ward
November 9, 2009
Marvin, I know there is not a day that goes by that Jason doesn't think of you. I know him and Eric miss you and cherish your friendship. Jason still speaks of you and always has a smile on his face when he does. Veterans day is coming up, and it's always hard on him. He finally joined a VFW post and we are going there this Wednesday. I know it will be hard for him, but I will always be at his side for him to lean on.
Nadja, we still think of you all the time. I hope you are doing well. My cousin in Midland, Texas, is going to put Marvin, Eric, and Jason's name on bricks that are being built as a memorial there in Midland.
We will never forget!!
I know there were others that went to Heaven with you. We will be honoring you all this Veteran's day. I pray that God comforts all your families all the time.
Sincerely,
Tonya Ward
Kenna Larra
October 20, 2009
Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Mothers and/or Fathers, of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
Contact us directly at [email protected]. or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and bless you.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642
Kenna Larra
October 14, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Mothers and/or Fathers, of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
Contact us directly at [email protected]. or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and bless you.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642
Jason Sprayberry
May 10, 2009
Hey little brother it's been a long time. We all miss you. Not a day goes by that your not thought of and missed...
Peggy Childers
May 3, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Marvin R. Sprayberry:
Marvin gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Nadja Sprayberry
May 2, 2009
A Poem for Our Soldiers
The soldier stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell
I miss you Baby
Lynn Sprayberry
April 14, 2009
Marv,
I miss you every day. I will NEVER forget you. With love, Mom
Nadja Sprayberry
August 16, 2008
Happy Birthday Marv.....I love you
R Collis
July 31, 2008
It is difficult to know what to say since I want to express my sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Sgt Sprayberry. Please know that your loved one is not forgotten. I wish everyone impacted by this tragic loss strength and peace. I hope that Sgt Sprayberry knew that there are people in America who respect his great courage in serving as a member of the US military. Although I did not know him, I know that he must have been a very special person to be willing to do something that most Americans will never have to experience, and for that we can never say thank you enough.
Thank you Sgt Sprayberry!
Juanita Cavazos (Guzman)
June 24, 2008
Sgt. Marvin,
I will never forget you. We had some good times in high school. I was sad to hear we had lost you. You will always be remembered. To his wife, my condolences. My brother is also in the Army and I pray for his safety everyday.
The Neal family
May 25, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Sprayberry,
Please know that just as your loved one will remain in your hearts and minds, his sacrifice and that of your family, will remain with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God grant you the peace that passes all understanding.
In Memory of Marvin ~ ( Debra Estep )
May 3, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers today.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Marvin, but I am remembering on
this day he gave his all.
He is my hero.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
The Other Side
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Please contact me and I will email you back a copy of my
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
March 27, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Sprayberry!
ashley wheeler
March 26, 2008
i miss u so much you will always be is my heart
Tricia Harm
September 3, 2007
Nadja-
You and Marv are both in our thoughts and prayers.Takota still remembers "daddy's friend in Germany." He was a wonderful person that always had a smile.He is missed by everyone who knew him.
The Harm family
Nadja Sprayberry
August 16, 2007
Happy Birthday my Love....I love & miss you.
Leonard Wahl
August 11, 2007
Happy Birthday! August 16th You are remembered today and all the tomorrow's!
August 9, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 10, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt Sprayberry and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
leonard wahl
May 7, 2007
Three years very diffucult to grasp! So much has happened to the Sprayberry, Wahl, Kenny and Wahl Family. As with many other fallen families. I often think what if this or that. Then I realize our families had been blessed. Marvin from all Nadja has told me of him. I am proud our son Gregory served by his side. I pray that our families will heal.
Garnet Jenkins
May 2, 2007
Please know how deeply sorry I was to learn of the loss of Sgt. Marvin R. Sprayberry. A Multitude of Thanks, for this Brave Young Soldier's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
Those who Made this Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13
May the Peace of God and your precious memories of Marvin, remain in your heart always.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Leonard Wahl
November 19, 2006
Marvin, you will always be in my heart and prays. So thankful you served along side of our Gregory. Along with PFC Marcus Lyndon and captain Christopher Kenny. Coming on two and a half years. feels like it was YESTERDAY. I have been in contact with Nadja. You really got the prize. Nadja is such a sweet women. But, you knew that. I worry about her like a daughter. Odd, never had a daughter. I had wanted to meet you DAD. He is with you now. One thing is certain Marvin. You are more then an AMERICAN HERO! In your special way. You have touched the hearts of all those that knew and loved you. Never, never will you and all those that have fallen will ever br forgotten. Not today and all the tomorrow's. Last Christmas I laid a Christmas wreath by Captain Kenny and you. As I did for Gregory. Marvin thank you for serving our country. To protect our ;liberities, freedom and our way of life. Making America alot safer since 911. For your military brother hood toward Gregory and all those you served with. Only wish I had met you! On my visits to be with Gregory...I place four red roses. Four very brave soldiers that risked everything for every American. God Bless!
Steven Tabat
November 17, 2006
SSG Sprayberry,
I was privileged to serve with you and learn from you. I was honored when I was asked to bring you home. Thank you to you and Nadja for your service and your sacrifice. Know that Angie and I are deeply saddened by your passing. Fight the good fight always and I will see you on the hilltop.
Ramrod 8 (Ancient)
Brent Baldwin
November 12, 2006
It was my honor to have know Marvin Sprayberry III. We were stationed together in Germany for a few years back in 1999. Marvin was like a brother to me. Brother, you gave the untimate sacrifice for our country and you will forever remain a hero in my book. I'm so sorry that this tradic incident ended your life so soon. You are missed my brother!!
Barbar, Marc, Jennifer and Justin Arizmendez
November 9, 2006
We were shocked when we found out! I dind't know Marvin personally, but my Husband did. I know Nadja, and i hope you know that we are there for you! Marvin will never be forgotten!
courtney minter
July 31, 2005
spraberry will be miss. Me and him were in vilseck together and a very close friend. When i e-mail him on the ako, his wife told me he had died a few months back. My friend i'm very sorry to hear what happen to you and sad that it had to happen to a good man like you.
April Wesson
July 20, 2005
You have always held a special place in my heart. You were my first love. I thought about you just about everyday... you will never be forgotten.
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