Virgil LeBron Sprayberry

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Virgil LeBron Sprayberry age 79 of Chickamauga Georgia 4/26/2026

It is with deep respect and loving remembrance that we announce the passing of a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and proud U.S. Army veteran.

Virgil LeBron Sprayberry, a distinguished veteran who served his country with honor and courage passed on Sunday 4/26/26. His commitment to duty and his unwavering sense of patriotism were defining parts of his life, earning him the admiration of all who knew him. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His dedication, strength, and leadership defined both his military career and his life at home.

Upon returning from Viet Nam, he began his career at Wheland Foundry. While working full time he also earned a bachelor’s in business management from Tennessee Wesleyan. Virgil Sprayberry was a Superintendent of the Jobbing Foundry and Environmental at Wheland, where he was known as a just and fair manager. He continued his career working as a Sales Representative for Southern Tool Steel, Inc.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years Mary, his children Amie (James) Haun, Matthew (Brook) Sprayberry, grandsons Garrett (Lindsey Stone) Erwin, Colton Erwin, Jack Sprayberry, Lane Sprayberry, and granddaughter Savannah (Ryan) Oliver, great grandson Cason Erwin, and of his 9 siblings remain one brother James Walter (Georgia) Sprayberry, and four sisters Myra Sue Bradley, Martha (Earl) Brown, Janie Teeters and Kathy Stose.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ray Roland Sprayberry and Ruby Pauline Parham Sprayberry, and other siblings, brothers Dennis Sprayberry, Mickey Sprayberry and Tommy Sprayberry, and sister Patricia Snodgrass.

An avid fisherman, Virgil LeBron Sprayberry found peace and happiness on the water. Fishing was more than a pastime—it was a passion that allowed him to connect with nature, reflect, and create lasting memories with family and friends. He also enjoyed hunting, weightlifting, and participating in men’s softball league.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his wisdom, quiet strength, his generous spirit, work ethic, and his deep love for those around him. His legacy lives on through his family, who will continue to honor his memory in the way they live and love.

The family will receive visitors Friday 5/1 from 10am to 12pm, at Lane South Crest Funeral Home, 833 Chickamauga Avenue, Rossville GA.

A service and interment with full honors will be held at 12:30 at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a U.S. veterans’ organization in his honor or to Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center PO Box 11467, Chattanooga, TN 37401. https://secure.mohhc.org/forms/donate/ CNMHHC teaches the character values of Patriotism, Citizenship, Courage, Integrity, Sacrifice, and Commitment.