Bobby Joe Sprouse – 75, of Brevard, entered eternal peace with his lord and savior on Sunday, March 21, 2010 at his residence. He was surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness that he fought with the heart of a champion. He was born in Brevard on November 24, 1934, to James Edward Sprouse and Mary Edna Goforth Sprouse. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, and a member of Turkey Creek Baptist Church. He retired from the Ecusta Corporation in 1997 following almost 40 years of employment. He was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Vivian Crowe Sprouse. He was also preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bill Sprouse, James Edward Sprouse Jr. and wife Peggy, and J.C. Sprouse and wife Sadie. Bobby was blessed to have found two wonderful companions following the death of his wife. Barbara Wilde was a very special lady, who cared deeply for him and his family until her death in 1995. Carrie Jo Duckworth and Bobby shared a true best friend relationship; they spent many hours in his woodworking shop making crafts that were too tedious for the average weekend carpenter to attempt. They continued this until her death in 2004 and his subsequent declining health. Bobby found his joy and talent in woodworking following retirement and his joy was to spend his time building furniture and spending time with friends and family. He is survived by his son Bryan Sprouse and his wife Tara of Arden, NC. His grandson Tyler Sprouse, was the greatest joy of his life. Sadly, he was unable to physically meet his granddaughter Haley Renee' Sprouse, who was born 24 hours after his death. His spirit will live on in her, his grandson, and all other family and friends that his life touched. He spoke often of the great reunion in heaven and what a joy it will be for us all to see "Papa Sprouse" again. Bobby is also survived by his sister Elizabeth Johnson of Brevard and her daughter Margaret and son-in- law Steve Tate and children of Etowah; brothers Donald Sprouse and wife Ruby of Brevard, their children Eddie and wife Vicki from Charlotte, and Tina Sprouse and children Jacob, Megan, and Nathaniel Sprouse; and Onald Sprouse and wife Pat from Advance, N.C. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. There are few times in our lives that we are lucky enough to call friends, "true family members." Steve and Donna Rice and their children Stephanie Rice and Kelly Hooper have been just that over the years. They have been there on countless times during good and bad times. Bobby considered them his extended children and grandchildren and loved them all. The family would like to extend special thanks to Bobby's niece Linda Gardner, who tirelessly afforded her time to make sure Bobby was comfortable during his final days. Special thanks to Uncle Donald who made sure anything Bobby needed following, his declining health, was provided. Transylvania Regional Hospital Hospice cared for Bobby during his last few months. Tracy Holloway, Debbie, Joanie, Melidy and Lola are angels who do a special job, not just for the patient, but for all family involved as well. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Transylvania Regional Hospital Hospice. Services will be held at Moody-Connolly Funeral Home chapel on Friday, March 26 at 1 p.m. with Rev. Tommy Owen officiating. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the Moody Connolly Chapel.