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Master Sergeant Retired Ralph Edward (Butch) Sprinkle II of Mocksville made his final parachute jump into God’s loving arms on Sunday morning, April 16, 2023 at the North Carolina State Veterans Home in Salisbury, NC.

Butch was born to the late Ralph E. Sprinkle and Opal Martin Brown on June 11, 1939 in Yadkin County, NC. He graduated from Yadkinville High School in 1957 where he lettered in football and baseball. Butch married Freddie Ann Reece Sprinkle on Nov. 25, 1961. His life was a full one defined by being an exemplary husband, father, grandfather, soldier, teacher, friend, welder, and in every endeavor.

His 20-year distinguished military career included service with the U.S. Special Forces “The Green Berets,” the 173rd Airborne Brigade and the 82nd Airborne Division. Through two tours in the Vietnam War, Butch was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Cross Of Valor with Bronze Star, as well as numerous other commendations recognizing his exemplary service.

After Butch’s military service, he taught welding at Forsyth Technical Community College and finished with an 18-year career with National Welders. His retirement was filled with his love of his family, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and making crafts in his shop.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Susan Sprinkle Williams.

Butch is survived by: his wife of 61 wonderful years, Freddie Ann Sprinkle; 3 sons, Ralph E “Trey” Sprinkle III (Deborah), Bryan H Sprinkle (Kyle Corum), and Sean M. Sprinkle (Ha); 3 grandchildren, Josh (Christina), Hannah, and Joey; 5 siblings, Marlene Kinney (Richard), Anne Ramsey, Jim “Russell” Sprinkle (Alice), and Michael Sprinkle (Karen); and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

A visitation with the family will be held at Davie Funeral Home in Mocksville on April 20 from 6-7:30 p.m., followed by a recitation of the Holy Rosary.  A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 21 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Clemmons. Interment will be at the Salisbury National Cemetery with full military honors on Friday, April 28 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: Holy Family Catholic Church or the Davie Animal Shelter.

We, the staff at Davie Funeral Service of Mocksville, are honored to serve the family.