Walter "Ray" Sprouse

ASHEVILLE – Walter “Ray” Sprouse, age 82, of Asheville, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, at his home.

Mr. Sprouse was born July 26, 1943, in Madison County and was a resident of Buncombe County most of his life. He was a member of Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church and a Veteran of the US Army serving during Vietnam. He was a salesman at Bill Walker Tire for many years and retired from Berlin Tire.

He was the son of the late Walter Raymond and Helen Elizabeth Griffin Sprouse and husband of the late Rowena S. Sprouse who died in 2023. Ray was also preceded in death by his brother, Edwin Sprouse; daughter, Traci Edwards; and grandchildren, Cody Edwards and Raeanna McCurry.

Surviving are his daughters, Sheila Sprouse of TN, and Tabitha Mars of Mars Hill; sons, Shannon Sprouse of FL, and Daniel Sprouse (partner Jamie) of Asheville; Darrens Hayes, Jr. whom Ray was raising; stepchildren, Kristal Thomas of Asheville, and Matthew Morrow of Leicester; sisters, Nan Brooks and husband Randall of FL, Patricia Fano of Mars Hill, Ivorine Candless, and Mary Gomez of CA; brothers, Steve Sprouse of SC, Daniel Sprouse of FL, and Joe Sprouse (wife Shirley) of Weaverville; grandchildren, Darren Smith, Katie and Will Willis, Elizabeth Mars and siblings, Marley, Jayci and Tristan Sprouse, Christian Hawkins, Jaci Blanton, Chelsea, Casey and Colby Edwards, Kirstie and Brooke Thomas and Gracie Clark; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Monday, December 29, 2025, at Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, 350 Flint Hill Rd., Alexander, with Rev. Larry Sprouse officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m., prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving the Sprouse family. Condolences may be offered to the family under his obituary at www.westfamilyfuneralservices.com.