William Lee Sproat

William (Bill) L. Sproat, age 87, residing most recently in Gainesville, Ga, departed this earthly life on December 21, 2022.  Born on September 24, 1935 in Liverpool, Ohio, Bill was the son of the late William & Esther Sproat.  Bill is survived by his brother Jon Sproat of Ashland City, TN. and sister Barbara Durham of Lake City, FL.  He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn Manry Peloza, and his second wife, Cheryl Laviolette Sproat.

Bill is survived by his 5 children, 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren: son David Sproat of Charlotte, NC. (wife Sue, grandson John & granddaughter Rachel), daughter Kim Sproat of St. Petersburg, FL. (granddaughter Amanda - great granddaughters Allona and Vanessa and granddaughter Melissa - great granddaughter Kaileigh & great grandson Keyton), daughter Sherri Bigwood of Gainesville, GA. (grandson Robert and wife Candice), daughter Deanna Hellwege of Ft. Pierce, FL. (grandson Christopher and his wife April and great granddaughters Natalie and Sabrina; granddaughter Jennifer and husband Michael and great granddaughter Laura, great grandson Hunter; granddaughter Megan and grandson Steven) and daughter Laura Caplinger of Tampa, FL. (husband Alex).

Bill grew up on the family farm in Morrisdale, Pa.  In high school he proudly played both offense and defense on the football team until the family moved to Miami, FL.  He finished high school at Coral Cables Senior High, and then attended the University of Miami from 1954 until 1957, focusing on military science and mathematics.  During college he was on the Army ROTC Rifle team, winning many awards.  He also obtained his private pilot license in 1954 and took a number of single engine plane trips and lead sightseeing tours throughout Florida until 1957.  He joined the United States Coast Guard serving in the merchant marines followed by joining the United States Air Force in 1961.

In 1958, Bill married Carolyn Manry.  Upon completion of his military service, he worked as a Life Insurance Agent supporting his growing family.  He then changed careers to work as a dairy route man, delivering product to small and large stores.  In the late 70's after years of working for others, he went into business for himself, a dairy product delivery company supplying many merchants in the Waycross, GA area.  But the call of warmer weather and being closer to family  spurred his move back to Ft. Pierce, FL.  Where he started his own produce delivery business, buying from local growers and selling to many retail outlets in southern Florida.  He had a tireless work ethic and did not retire until the age of 80.

Upon the death of his wife, Cheryl, Bill spent his remaining days in the loving care of his daughter, Sherri.  His children give their gratitude to their sister Sherri and to Bill's brother-in-law Gary Johns for their devotion in Bill's final years,  as well as to Angela and the hospice team who provided care.  A family memorial service at the Morrisdale farm will be set for a future date.