James Sprott

1925 - 2021

James Sprott
November 11, 1925 - October 17, 2021
Sumter, South Carolina - James McDowell (Mac) Sprott, 95, left this world to rejoin his beloved wife Ruth Hill Sprott on Sunday, October 17, 2021.
He is survived by his devoted son Rodney McDowell Sprott of Los Angeles, CA, daughter Carol Sprott Jackson and son-in-law Thomas Andrew Jackson of Irmo, SC. He cherished his grandchildren Christy Jackson Rivers of Boone, NC, and Ryan McDowell Jackson and Ryan's wife Carter Staples Jackson of Tucker, GA, and he felt blessed to know and adore his great-grandson Mercer Dean Jackson.
Mr. Sprott was born in Manning, S. C., son of John Webb Sprott and Minnie Sue Sauls Sprott, both of Manning. They later moved to Lynchburg, S. C. He attended the University of South Carolina and graduated from The Louisiana State University School of Banking. Mr. Sprott had a distinguished career of military service, having volunteered at age 17 during World War II in the Air Force. He was assigned to the Fighter Pilot Program, serving until the end of the war. In 1950 he was recalled to active duty during the Korean War.
In 1950, Mac and Ruth were married, and their 68 years together were full of family, friends, and travel. Their love story has inspired his family, and their affection for each other never waned. Known to many of his employees and all of his family as Papa, he loved being the patriarch of a loving family.
Mr. Sprott began his banking career of 43 years at Peoples Bank in Lynchburg. After serving in the Korean War, he joined Wachovia Bank and Trust Company in Charlotte, N. C. He left Wachovia to become C.E.O. of Citizens State Bank in Bennettsville, S. C., where he served ten years as the youngest C.E.O. in banking in the state. In 1963 Mr. Sprott joined the National Bank of South Carolina in Sumter, S. C., as Vice President and City Executive. In the latter part of his banking career, Mr. Sprott was closely involved in Agriculture Banking during which time he was chairman of Ag-Bankers Association, a five-state banking group. In 1980 Mr. Sprott was named the state's Agricultural Action Banker by the American Bankers' Association. In addition Mr. Sprott served as secretary-treasurer of the Agricultural Bankers 5 th Federal Reserve District as well as chairman of the Small Business Administration. In 1990 Clemson University honored Mr. Sprott in recognition of his contribution to the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. His career spanned 28 years with NBSC, and he retired in 1991 as Senior Vice President.
Throughout his adult life, Mr. Sprott was active in his community as a civic leader. He was Commander of the American Legion in Lynchburg, and in Bennettsville was a member of the JAYCEES, serving as a State Vice President. He was a Rotarian for many years, serving as President of the Sumter Rotary Club; Vice President of the Sumter Chamber of Commerce, President of the Sumter Merchants Association, the Sumter County Development Board, treasurer of both the Salvation Army and Y.M.C.A. for many years. Mr. Sprott served as a commissioner of the Sumter Area Technical College for 17 years, ending his tenure as chairman, during which time he was instrumental in having the name changed to Central Carolina Technical College. He served on many local and state-wide committees throughout his career. Following his retirement Mr. Sprott was recognized by the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce for many outstanding and unselfish contributions to the Sumter Community over four decades. Throughout his professional, civic and personal life, Mr. Sprott was known for his strength of character and honor, integrity and business acumen.
Memorial services will be held at 11 A.M. Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church with Rev. Joseph R. James, Jr. and Rev. Dr. Reginald Thackston officiating.
Due to COVID-19, masks and vaccinations are required to attend.
The family will receive friends following the memorial service at the church.
Private burial will be in the Manning Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 226 W. Liberty Street, Sumter, SC 29150 or to Sumter United Ministries, P. O. Box 1017, Sumter, SC 29151.
On-line memorials may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com
Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386