John Luther Sprague III

1943 - 2025

Retired Coast Guard LCDR John "Jack" Luther Sprague, 81, of Navarre, Florida passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

Jack was born in Taunton, Massachusetts to the late John L. Sprague, II and Bettina Paige. He had two sisters, Virginia and Joanne and a brother, Charlie. He entered the Coast Guard in 1960 as a Radioman. In 1962 he met and married the love of his life, Louise, while stationed on the Dependable in Panama City, Florida. Together they raised two sons, John and Tom and one daughter, Ginni. The family of five often spent their weekends and summers camping, fishing, crabbing, and boating. Jack served in Vietnam where he received 3 Bronze Stars and Meritorious Service Citation with Palm. He also received the National Defense Service Medal, Unit and Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Achievement Medals, as well as many others. Jack served as the Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard base, Cape Disappointment, on the Pacific Ocean in Ilwaco, Washington from 1979 to 1982. Upon retirement from the Coast Guard, the family moved to Panama City, Florida. Jack then was the captain of a boat resupplying Gulf Oil Rigs before moving on to head operations for the Casino Boat, Southern Elegance, and then as shipping agent for the port of Panama City. He and Louise ran a successful restaurant, The Coach and Four, a steak and seafood establishment near Tyndall Air Force Base. In 1999, he and Louise moved to Navarre, Florida where he put his handyman skills to work. Jack always had a project going for himself, his kids or his neighbors, building workshops, renovating antique cars or putting his Master Gardener knowledge to use.

Jack was preceded in death by his grandson, Michael Sprague; and sister, Virginia Sprague.

Jack is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helen Louise Sprague; brother, Charles (Joan) Sprague of Molino, Florida; son, John (Ginny) Sprague of Niceville, FL; son, Tom (Lois) Sprague of Niceville, FL; daughter, Ginni (Les) Rushing of Navarre, Florida; and grandchildren, David Sprague, Amie (Steve) Teschel, Taylor (Catie) Sprague, Brandon Sprague, Riley Turoff and Emily Turoff; greatgrandchildren, Ada Teschel, Calvin Teschel, and Charlie Sprague.

A Funeral Service for Jack was held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Lewis Funeral Home Navarre Chapel 7794 Navarre Parkway Navarre, FL 32566, with Rev Lewis Wilder officiating. A Committal Service was held Friday February 7, 2025, at 11:00am at Barrancas National Cemetery,

The family wishes to thank the staff of Navarre Gardens for their love and care given to our father and husband and brother during his time there. He was happy and surrounded by friends and we are forever grateful.

John Luther Sprague III