Jeffrey L. Sprague

Jeffrey Lynn Sprague, born November 2, 1959, in Lima, OH, to Rosemary Dennison Sprague and Oliver Lewis Sprague, passed away on April 29, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and unwavering devotion to his family.
Jeff's life was a tapestry of work, joy, and music, woven with the threads of a loving heart and mischievous sense of humor that often brightened the lives of all who knew him. Jeff is survived by his beloved wife Betty D. Sprague and their cherished children Jeffrey James Sprague and Oliver Michael Sprague, along with his granddaughter Camryn Mcgovern Sprague. He was a proud grandfather to his foster granddaughter as well, Hudson Montgomery, whose presence brought him immense joy in the short time that they shared. Jeff also found great joy in spending a lot of time with his mother & father-in-law Mike and Darlene Worm, often going dancing when Darlene was performing and fishing with Mike as an enjoyable, shared bonding time. Jeff was one of six siblings leaving behind Cindy (Neal) Antill, Pam (Steve) Benfield, Kim (Tim) Wireman, John (Thelma) Sprague, and Jerri Marie Sprague, along with ten nieces and nephews who will carry his memory. He leaves behind family members on his wife's side as well that he truly appreciated throughout his life, many Aunts and Uncles, but most notably his his Father-in-law James Castle, his mother-in-law Vicki Castle, his sister-in-law Tess (Morgan) Castle and her two children, his brother-in-law James (Joann) Castle along with his daughter Kirstin Castle.
Jeff's early years in Lima saw him working at Lane's Drug Store before he answered the call to serve as a firefighter, a role that reflected his deep commitment to his community and helping others. His career as a field instrument technician for Fishel Technologies lead him to esteemed companies like International Brake & Huffy Bikes. At 37, Jeff relocated his family to Tampa, FL where he became a bank and medical courier touching countless lives through his service. A gifted mechanic, Jeff could fix nearly anything, though he'd often grumble about the task with a twinkle in his eye.
A man of hearty appetites, Jeff relished lobster, tacos, beef and noodles, and a perfectly cooked steak. His love for music was boundless, his voice a gift that filled rooms with the soulful sounds of Gordon Lightfoot, Elvis, Bob Seger, and, most notably, The Bee Gees. Songs like "If You Could Read My Mind Love," "My Way," "Immortality," and "Amazing Grace" were anthems of his heart, shared with family during cherished karaoke nights. Jeff's love for animals was profound, having cared for many dogs, including his first, Bullet, and his Mini Schnauzers, Scooter and Sassy, whom he longed to see again.
Jeff found joy in life's simple pleasures: karaoking, fishing, bowling, playing cards with friends and family, and trips to cabins in Tennessee and Georgia. He treasured cruises with Betty and visits to Las Vegas, where his adventurous spirit thrived. Above all, Jeff cherished his family. He was immensely proud of his youngest son's singing and acting talents and deeply valued the years spent working alongside his eldest son, forging a bond few fathers and sons share. His granddaughters, Camryn and Hudson, were lights in his life, filling his days with love and laughter.
Jeff fought bravely until the end, his spirit fierce even as his body grew weary. He did not want to leave his family, but his battle was long and arduous, and he now rests in peace, reunited with the music, family, dogs, open skies and the seas he loved. Jeff's legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, in the songs he sang, and in the love he gave so freely.
A celebration of Jeff's life will be held on May 10, 2025 at noon @ the Dobies Funeral Home on Hicks Rd in Hudson, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a local animal shelter in Jeff's memory, honoring his lifelong love for animals. Jeff would want us to remember him with a song, a laugh, and a story shared around the table-always on our minds, forever in our hearts.