Celebrating the life of
William Wallace Sprague, Jr.
November 11, 1926 - December 30, 2015
SAVANNAH - William Wallace Sprague, Jr, 89, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on December 30, 2015. He was born on Nov 11, 1926 at Mary Telfair Hospital to William Wallace Sprague and Mary Swan Crowther Sprague. He was educated at St Paul’s School in Concord New Hampshire, served for two years with United States Navy at the end of WWII, and completed his education at MIT and Yale with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1950.
He was Chairman of the Board and CEO of Savannah Foods and Industries, makers of Dixie Crystals sugar, from 1972 to 1994. Under his leadership Savannah Foods grew from a small regional sugar refinery to a major national sugar company and member of the Fortune 500. From 1980 to 1990 Savannah Foods was #2 in total return to shareholders in the Fortune 500, with a total return of 4,862%. He was very proud of the achievements on the national and world stage of the Company and its employees working together.
He was well known and respected as a leader throughout the sugar business worldwide. He served as a Director and Chairman of the World Sugar Research Organization, London, England, Director and Chairman of the US Cane Sugar Refiners Association, President of the New York Sugar Club, Director of the Grocery Manufacturers Association, and Director of the National Association of Manufacturers. He served as a Director of the C&S Bank, and continued to serve as a Director as the Bank grew into Bank of America. In 1985 he received the Dyer Memorial “Sugar Man of the Year” award for his contributions to the sugar industry, and in 1999 he was inducted into the Georgia Southern University’s Business Hall of Fame.
He was very involved in the Savannah community, working with many civic and charitable organizations to improve the lives of people in the community in which he lived. In 1991 he received the Oglethorpe Award for his contributions to the City of Savannah. In 1988 he was named “Industrialist of the Year” by the Savannah Chapter of the International Management Council. He was a Trustee of the Savannah Business Group, Trustee and President of the Savannah Benevolent Association, Director of the Chatham Club, Director of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chairman of the CEO Council, and Director of South Atlantic Foundation.
He served as a fundraiser for numerous local charities, including the United Way, the YMCA, and Goodwill Industries. He also served as senior warden of Christ Episcopal Church and later became a communicant and supporter of Christ Church Anglican.
He was a bon vivant whose zest in life was unsurpassed, from the board room to sailing, hunting, and fishing, activities which he pursued the world over. His irrepressible sense of humor and his enthusiasm for making Savannah a better place will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Carr Sprague, their children Lauren Duane Sprague, (Mary Ellen Wedewer) Courtney Sprague Flexon (Phillip Billings Flexon MD) William Wallace Sprague III, and Elizabeth Sprague O’Meara (Gerard Joseph O’Meara Jr.), his grandchildren Lauren Flexon Marcinkoski, William Winner Sprague, Alexander Hartley Sprague, Katherine Carr Sprague, Ellen Adeline Sprague, Anna Augusta Sprague, Donald Lawrence Sprague, Gerard Joseph O’Meara III, Taryn Elizabeth O’Meara, and Benedict Patrick O’Meara, his great grandchildren Samuel Phillip Marcinkoski and Alexander Joseph Marcinkoski, and by his sister, Mary Swan Sprague Iselin.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 2 at Christ Church Anglican, 2020 Bull Street, Savannah GA at 11:00 AM.
The family suggests that any remembrances be sent to Christ Church Anglican, The Whitfield Center, or the Low Country Open Land Trust, 43 Wentworth St., Charleston, SC 29401.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
well, how grateful I am that we all went to The Oglethorpe Club for brunch when Bill Sprague & Bill Hays were still alive. We ate ourselves silly on oysters. Bebe, Lucile Walker knew most of you, but I Dickie did not. What a great memory and what a remarkable man. Blessings to all of you. Dickie
- Dickie Thieriot, Flint Hill, VA
Mr. Sprague always had a smile, a good sense of humor and time to talk or share a story. He was a kind and thoughtful individual who we will miss very much. Our prayers are with you and your family.
- Mimi and Donald Nettles, Ridgeland, SC
The Memorial Service on Saturday, January 2, 2016, was a fitting tribute to Mr. Sprague. The clergy, his children, and grand-children, spoke of his devotion to church and family; his accomplishments in the world of business; his dedication to the support of community and civic interests; and the positive attitude that signified his entire life. Moments of humor about his "storytelling" and the occurrences related to hunting and fishing forays, brought bursts of laughter from the congregation. His unique leadership abilities and the joy he embraced in just living life were in the forefront. This was a day of celebration, sadness was not on the agenda!
- The President and Staff, Over The Sugar Hill Club, Savannah, GA
The Memorial Service on Saturday, January 2, 2016, was a fitting tribute to Mr. Sprague. The clergy, his children, and grand-children, spoke of his devotion to church and family; his accomplishments in the world of business; his dedication to the support of community and civic interests; and the positive attitude that signified his entire life. Moments of humor about his "storytelling" and the occurrences related to hunting and fishing forays, brought bursts of laughter from the congregation. His unique leadership abilities and the joy he embraced in just living life were in the forefront. This was a day of celebration, sadness was not on the agenda!
- The President and Staff, Over The Sugar Hill Club, Savannah, GA
We of the NSIMA wish to extend our condolences to the Sprague family. We all knew and respected Bill throughout our careers. May he rest in peace.
- National Sweetener and Ingredient Marketing Association, Baltimore, MD
He will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
- Helen Downing, Savannah, GA
Prior to last year, I had this memory years ago of seeing Bill on the sidewalk when we all were neighbors on East Taylor Street. I always felt they were special people and it was a privilege to know them. So sorry to the family for their loss
- Ron Melander & Jim Cox, Savannah, Ga.
Bill Sprague truly was a pillar of the community. I knew him to be gracious, and ever willing to share a good story. Please accept my condolences on the loss of this wonderful man who meant so much to you, and to Savannah.
- Mary Jane Donahue, Hardeeville, SC
One of my favorite people of my parent's generation. I will never forget Mr. Sprague's kindness, and as a child the Tybee river cruises on the Melody. My condolences. 'Cooper Glenn
- Cooper Glenn, Savannah, GA
I saddened to learn of Bill's passing. He was a gentleman in every meaning of the word. It was a privilege and an honor to know him and to work for him. Bubber Hodges
- Alex (Bubber) Hodges, Savannah, GA
Warmest of regards and condolences to all of you. We will remember Mr. Sprague as someone who treated us with consummate hospitality and kindness during each of our visits. God Bless.
- The Wedewers, Huntingtown, MD
How privileged to have had a man of such vision at the helm of our beloved company. His insights into the potential for growth and expansion surely earned him the title of "sugar man" - a term not unknown at the plant. We respected him, we revered him, we loved him, and he, in return, put our company on the world map. Thank you for making "us" a part of "your" family. Bless you, WWII.
- Shirley B. Gardner, Port Wentworth, GA
Our condolences on the loss of your Father. He was indeed a great man with a huge heart full of compassion and belief in others.
- Douglas, Savannah, Ga
On behalf of the retirees of Savannah Sugar Refinery, Savannah Foods & Industries and all the related facilities created during his tenure, we add our voice of respect and praise for this gifted, hugely talented man, who was our leader. From Shop Floor o the upper echelons of City Office, he inspired us to work hard, hold family dear, love our company, and our country, and to take time to enjoy life and have fun doing it. We mourn his death but celebrate his outstanding life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
- Over The Sugar Hill Club, Savannah, GA
What fond memories I will always have of William and his family. I will pray for all and he will be really missed. Love to all, Retta, aka, Retsy
- Retta Jelks Vance Poynter, Charlotte, NC
On behalf of Tybee, our deepest condolences go out to Bill's family for their loss. Bill was a kind and giving man. I got to know him through his volunteer service on the Tybee Island Beach Task Force. He was a member of this organization for many many years. He faithfully attended meetings. Tybee benefitted from his business acumen as part of this group. He was never afraid to share his opinions on matters that affected Tybee's beach. Despite his extremely impressive accomplishments in his lifetime, he never bragged and was humble in every single interaction I ever had with him. Bill was a great guy who will be missed.
- Jason Buelterman, Tybee Island , GA
Dear Liz, I was so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. You both made a big difference to my early years in Savannah. I hope that I will get a chance to see more of you when I move back to town. All my best. Caroline
- Caroline Gordon Armstrong. 2 Pope lane, Bluffton, , SC
We offer our condolences to the Sprague family. You are in our prayers through this difficult time. I only met Mr. Sprague once or twice. Raised in the Sugar Refinery village, I remember well the respect my Grandfather, Dick Pope, and father, Richard, had for him and the other leaders of the company. The village was family for many who had pride in their jobs and their community. That family still carries the memories of a job well done by all. Again our prayers are with you. Kindest Regards, Richard and Ceil DeBorde
- Richard DeBorde, Savannah, , GA
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will always remember Bill as being so very friendly to us when we arrived as newcomers to Savannah and Christ Church.
- Helene Levenson - Gene Clatterbaugh, Pooler, GA
So sorry to hear of Bills passing. He was a good man and good Company President. Our prayers at with the family.
- Keith&Jane Ray, Winter Haven , Florida
My heart and prayers go out to all of the Sprague family. Mr. Sprague was a wonderful man! He changed many lives for the better. He was a wonderful leader and support to all of his employees at Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc. I'm thankful to him and the company for my 27 year career to date, in the Sugar industry. He will be remembered fondly, and represents a happy time for all who had the pleasure of knowing him and working with and for him.
- Mary Blair Ray, Valrico, Florida
My thoughts and prayers will be with your family... Mr. Sprague was a fine man, great leader and fair to his employees... Word at Savannah Sugar for 25 years. May he rest in peace.
- RUTH FINCHER, savannah, Ga, ga
My thoughts and prayers will be with your family... Mr. Sprague was a fine man, great leader and fair to his employees... Word at Savannah Sugar for 25 years. May he rest in peace.
- RUTH FINCHER, savannah, Ga, ga
It is not easy losing a loved one. May comfort be with your family. God promises a time when pain, suffering and death will be a thing of the past. A time when mankind looks forward not to living only 70, 80 or 90 years but ETERNALLY. (Rev 21:3&4, 2 Cor 1:1-4, PS. 90:10)
- Ms. Brown, Savannah, GA
Liz and Family: The porch and the view of his favorite mountains are honoring their favorite son. His time spent at THe Top of the HIll are more than special to all of the Austins and family. Know that Mr. Sprague will be so very missed and that we are all here for you. Love, Lisa
- Lisa, Highlands, NC
BILL AND I BECAME FRIENDS AT COLLEGE. WE REMAINED SO OVER THE YEARS, JUST AS OUR FATHERS HAD BEEN CLOSE FRIENDS OVER THE YEARS. MY FAMILY WILL NEVER FORGET BILL'S AND LIZ'S KINDNESS TO MY MOTHER IN HER LATTER YEARS. BILL WILL BE SORELY MISSED BY ALL OF US..
- SPENCER CONNERAT, JR., LAKEMONT, GA
Such a wonderful, caring man. He will be missed by all. Always ready to help individuals and serve his community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sprague family. Peace to You, Carl and Jo Ann
- Carl and Jo Ann Spofford, Savannah, Ga
Mr Sprague was an excellent businessman and a fine human being. He was an inspiration to all who worked with him. My deepest sympathy to his family. Henry Mok
- Henry Mok, Savannah, Ga
Bill Sprague....a teacher, a mentor, a business partner, a friend and an inspiring man of faith. I will miss him dearly.
- Robert S. McWilliams, Jr., Savannah, GA
well, how grateful I am that we all went to The Oglethorpe Club for brunch when Bill Sprague & Bill Hays were still alive. We ate ourselves silly on oysters. Bebe, Lucile Walker knew most of you, but I Dickie did not. What a great memory and what a remarkable man. Blessings to all of you. Dickie
- Dickie Thieriot, Flint Hill, VA
Mr. Sprague always had a smile, a good sense of humor and time to talk or share a story. He was a kind and thoughtful individual who we will miss very much. Our prayers are with you and your family.
- Mimi and Donald Nettles, Ridgeland, SC
The Memorial Service on Saturday, January 2, 2016, was a fitting tribute to Mr. Sprague. The clergy, his children, and grand-children, spoke of his devotion to church and family; his accomplishments in the world of business; his dedication to the support of community and civic interests; and the positive attitude that signified his entire life. Moments of humor about his "storytelling" and the occurrences related to hunting and fishing forays, brought bursts of laughter from the congregation. His unique leadership abilities and the joy he embraced in just living life were in the forefront. This was a day of celebration, sadness was not on the agenda!
- The President and Staff, Over The Sugar Hill Club, Savannah, GA
The Memorial Service on Saturday, January 2, 2016, was a fitting tribute to Mr. Sprague. The clergy, his children, and grand-children, spoke of his devotion to church and family; his accomplishments in the world of business; his dedication to the support of community and civic interests; and the positive attitude that signified his entire life. Moments of humor about his "storytelling" and the occurrences related to hunting and fishing forays, brought bursts of laughter from the congregation. His unique leadership abilities and the joy he embraced in just living life were in the forefront. This was a day of celebration, sadness was not on the agenda!
- The President and Staff, Over The Sugar Hill Club, Savannah, GA
We of the NSIMA wish to extend our condolences to the Sprague family. We all knew and respected Bill throughout our careers. May he rest in peace.
- National Sweetener and Ingredient Marketing Association, Baltimore, MD
He will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
- Helen Downing, Savannah, GA
Prior to last year, I had this memory years ago of seeing Bill on the sidewalk when we all were neighbors on East Taylor Street. I always felt they were special people and it was a privilege to know them. So sorry to the family for their loss
- Ron Melander & Jim Cox, Savannah, Ga.
Bill Sprague truly was a pillar of the community. I knew him to be gracious, and ever willing to share a good story. Please accept my condolences on the loss of this wonderful man who meant so much to you, and to Savannah.
- Mary Jane Donahue, Hardeeville, SC
One of my favorite people of my parent's generation. I will never forget Mr. Sprague's kindness, and as a child the Tybee river cruises on the Melody. My condolences. 'Cooper Glenn
- Cooper Glenn, Savannah, GA
I saddened to learn of Bill's passing. He was a gentleman in every meaning of the word. It was a privilege and an honor to know him and to work for him. Bubber Hodges
- Alex (Bubber) Hodges, Savannah, GA
Warmest of regards and condolences to all of you. We will remember Mr. Sprague as someone who treated us with consummate hospitality and kindness during each of our visits. God Bless.
- The Wedewers, Huntingtown, MD
How privileged to have had a man of such vision at the helm of our beloved company. His insights into the potential for growth and expansion surely earned him the title of "sugar man" - a term not unknown at the plant. We respected him, we revered him, we loved him, and he, in return, put our company on the world map. Thank you for making "us" a part of "your" family. Bless you, WWII.
- Shirley B. Gardner, Port Wentworth, GA
Our condolences on the loss of your Father. He was indeed a great man with a huge heart full of compassion and belief in others.
- Douglas, Savannah, Ga
On behalf of the retirees of Savannah Sugar Refinery, Savannah Foods & Industries and all the related facilities created during his tenure, we add our voice of respect and praise for this gifted, hugely talented man, who was our leader. From Shop Floor o the upper echelons of City Office, he inspired us to work hard, hold family dear, love our company, and our country, and to take time to enjoy life and have fun doing it. We mourn his death but celebrate his outstanding life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
- Over The Sugar Hill Club, Savannah, GA
What fond memories I will always have of William and his family. I will pray for all and he will be really missed. Love to all, Retta, aka, Retsy
- Retta Jelks Vance Poynter, Charlotte, NC
On behalf of Tybee, our deepest condolences go out to Bill's family for their loss. Bill was a kind and giving man. I got to know him through his volunteer service on the Tybee Island Beach Task Force. He was a member of this organization for many many years. He faithfully attended meetings. Tybee benefitted from his business acumen as part of this group. He was never afraid to share his opinions on matters that affected Tybee's beach. Despite his extremely impressive accomplishments in his lifetime, he never bragged and was humble in every single interaction I ever had with him. Bill was a great guy who will be missed.
- Jason Buelterman, Tybee Island , GA
Dear Liz, I was so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. You both made a big difference to my early years in Savannah. I hope that I will get a chance to see more of you when I move back to town. All my best. Caroline
- Caroline Gordon Armstrong. 2 Pope lane, Bluffton, , SC
We offer our condolences to the Sprague family. You are in our prayers through this difficult time. I only met Mr. Sprague once or twice. Raised in the Sugar Refinery village, I remember well the respect my Grandfather, Dick Pope, and father, Richard, had for him and the other leaders of the company. The village was family for many who had pride in their jobs and their community. That family still carries the memories of a job well done by all. Again our prayers are with you. Kindest Regards, Richard and Ceil DeBorde
- Richard DeBorde, Savannah, , GA
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will always remember Bill as being so very friendly to us when we arrived as newcomers to Savannah and Christ Church.
- Helene Levenson - Gene Clatterbaugh, Pooler, GA
So sorry to hear of Bills passing. He was a good man and good Company President. Our prayers at with the family.
- Keith&Jane Ray, Winter Haven , Florida
My heart and prayers go out to all of the Sprague family. Mr. Sprague was a wonderful man! He changed many lives for the better. He was a wonderful leader and support to all of his employees at Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc. I'm thankful to him and the company for my 27 year career to date, in the Sugar industry. He will be remembered fondly, and represents a happy time for all who had the pleasure of knowing him and working with and for him.
- Mary Blair Ray, Valrico, Florida
My thoughts and prayers will be with your family... Mr. Sprague was a fine man, great leader and fair to his employees... Word at Savannah Sugar for 25 years. May he rest in peace.
- RUTH FINCHER, savannah, Ga, ga
My thoughts and prayers will be with your family... Mr. Sprague was a fine man, great leader and fair to his employees... Word at Savannah Sugar for 25 years. May he rest in peace.
- RUTH FINCHER, savannah, Ga, ga
It is not easy losing a loved one. May comfort be with your family. God promises a time when pain, suffering and death will be a thing of the past. A time when mankind looks forward not to living only 70, 80 or 90 years but ETERNALLY. (Rev 21:3&4, 2 Cor 1:1-4, PS. 90:10)
- Ms. Brown, Savannah, GA
Liz and Family: The porch and the view of his favorite mountains are honoring their favorite son. His time spent at THe Top of the HIll are more than special to all of the Austins and family. Know that Mr. Sprague will be so very missed and that we are all here for you. Love, Lisa
- Lisa, Highlands, NC
BILL AND I BECAME FRIENDS AT COLLEGE. WE REMAINED SO OVER THE YEARS, JUST AS OUR FATHERS HAD BEEN CLOSE FRIENDS OVER THE YEARS. MY FAMILY WILL NEVER FORGET BILL'S AND LIZ'S KINDNESS TO MY MOTHER IN HER LATTER YEARS. BILL WILL BE SORELY MISSED BY ALL OF US..
- SPENCER CONNERAT, JR., LAKEMONT, GA
Such a wonderful, caring man. He will be missed by all. Always ready to help individuals and serve his community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sprague family. Peace to You, Carl and Jo Ann
- Carl and Jo Ann Spofford, Savannah, Ga
Mr Sprague was an excellent businessman and a fine human being. He was an inspiration to all who worked with him. My deepest sympathy to his family. Henry Mok
- Henry Mok, Savannah, Ga
Bill Sprague....a teacher, a mentor, a business partner, a friend and an inspiring man of faith. I will miss him dearly.
- Robert S. McWilliams, Jr., Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
