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 October17, 2021. Born in Manning, S. C, he was son of John Webb Sprott and Minnie Sue Sauls Sprott. He attended the University of South Carolina and graduated from The Louisiana State University School of Banking.
Mac and Ruth's 68 years together were full of family, friends, and travel. Their love story was inspirational, 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. He later joined Wachovia Bank and Trust Company in Charlotte then became C.E.O. of Citizens State Bank in Bennettsville, S. C. In 1963 Mr. Sprott joined the National Bank of South Carolina in Sumter as Vice President and City Executive. In the latter part of his career, Mr. Sprott was involved in Agriculture Banking, serving as chairman of Ag-Bankers Association. In 1980 Mr. Sprott was named the state's Agricultural Action Banker by the American Bankers' Association. 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.
Throughout his adult life, Mr. Sprott was active in his community service through American Legion, JAYCEES, and The Sumter Rotary Club. He held leadership positions in Sumter Chamber of Commerce, Merchants Association, the Sumter County Development Board, Salvation Army and Y.M.C.A. 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. 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.
He is survived by son Rodney McDowell Sprott of Los Angeles, CA, daughter Carol Sprott Jackson and son-in-law Thomas Andrew Jackson of Irmo, SC; grandchildren Christy Jackson Rivers of Boone, NC, and Ryan McDowell Jackson and wife Carter Staples Jackson of Tucker, GA, great-grandson Mercer Dean Jackson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
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.