Ralph Eugene Sproles

Ralph Eugene Sproles was born in Bluefield, West Virginia, on January 3, 1936. He is survived by his wife, Rita (Ricki) Sproles, his daughter Kathy Jessup, 4 grandchildren, Sarah Splawn (Matt), Hannah Yoon (Joe), Elizabeth Sproles, Jonathan Sproles (Natalia), and 6 great-grandchildren, Abram Splawn, Ezra Splawn, Roman Yoon, Evie Maeve Yoon, Micah Yoon, and Leo Sproles, also survived by his brother, Bob Sproles (Anita) and sister, Brenda Poole. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond & Della Sproles, his sister, Betty Goodwin, his son, Paul Sproles, and his son-in-law, Mike Jessup.

Ralph graduated from Johnson University in 1958. He served faithfully as the Senior Minister of Poplar Springs Christian Church for 45 years. After retirement, he served at Dobson Church of Christ for 13 years. He was on the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Johnson University for a combined 24 years. He was President of NC Christian Convention and Vice-President of the North American Christian Convention. Ralph served as 1984 national prayer chairman of the North American Christian Convention. He also served on the board of directors at Winston-Salem Bible College. He was president of both the Johnson University Alumni Association and the Council of Seventy. He has written articles for Christian Church Publications and has made mission trips to places like Australia, India, and has traveled to eight countries in the Middle East.

In 2000, Ralph and his wife, Ricki, received the "Distinguished Service" award from Johnson University. In 2006, Ralph was presented the “Retired Community Leader of the Year” award by the King Chamber of Commerce. Twice, he was invited to the North Carolina State Senate to give the opening prayer. Ralph has officiated or participated in over 200 weddings, 750 funerals, and led 250 revival meetings, and most recently published a book called "Ramblin’ with Ralph".

Ralph devoted his entire adult life to serving his Lord and Savior and took every opportunity to share the love of Jesus with everyone he came in contact with. His legacy and his devotion to his faith, his family, and to the Gospel will last a lifetime. He was loved and will be missed by many, but he is now rejoicing for eternity in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Well done, good and faithful servant. Mark 16:15

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Poplar Spring Christian Church, with the funeral service beginning at 3:00 p.m. Interment will immediately follow in the church cemetery.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial donations may be made to Johnson University, 7900 Johnson Rd. Knoxville, TN 37998, Poplar Springs Christian Church 7120 NC Hwy. 66 South, King, NC 27021, or Dobson Church of Christ, 165 Dobson Church Rd. Dobson, NC 27017.

Slate Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ralph Eugene Sproles. Online condolences may be offered at www.slatefh.com.

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