of Little Rock, AR

April 27, 1946 - June 16, 2023

John Eric Sproles, 77, stepped peacefully from his God-ordained days on earth to his Grace-obtained eternal life through faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, June 16, 2023. He was holding the hand of his highly cherished wife, Teresa Belew Sproles when he died. John was born in Greenwood, MS to John Raymond Sproles and Catherine Lum Sproles who along with a sister (Emily Claire Sproles Akins) predecease him.

He is survived by children; daughter Stephanie Sproles Rich of Senatobia, MS and son Jonathan (Kerri) Belew Nettles of North Little Rock, AR; siblings; sister Iris Ann Sproles Matthews of Cleveland, MS and; brother Robert (Becky) Sproles of Duluth, GA; five grands and four great-grands along with an extended family of in-laws; nieces and nephews; and close friends he considered to be family and his beloved loud-mouth wrecking-ball of a maltese dog, Winston Churchill Belew-Sproles.

Raised on a cotton plantation in Mississippi he was graduated from high school, college and went on to attend New Orleans Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. John pastored churches in MS until finding his true life's calling and ministry in hospitality. He started his career in the restaurant industry by grilling hamburgers on a cast iron griddle and selling them "on the credit" at the plantation's company store when he was a teenager. John enjoyed a successful career with Wonder Bread, Schlotzsky's and was partner/owner and General Manager/VP of Community Bakery for more than 35 years before retirement. John was a pioneer in the establishment of Arkansas Hospitality Association, serving in several official positions including Chairman of the Board and was awarded the association's highest honor, Salut Au Restauranteur.

There is much more that could be said about John Eric Sproles beyond his career regarding his support of mission efforts and his patronage of christian artists and young musicians. But we won't be saying those things in this public record because he was horrified at the cost per word to print an obituary. But those who knew John, were aware of his generosity, his love of the Lord, family and friends. Always there in times of trouble. And always prepared to celebrate times and occasions of joy. He was a man who left his mark but never a scar on many lives.

Celebration Services will be on Saturday, July 1, 2023, beginning at 10:00am at the Deaf Fellowship Church @ Lifeway; 800 Wellington Village Road, Little Rock, AR 72212. Officiating will be Larry Page, Minister and Executive Director of Arkansas Faith and Ethics and Pastor Kevin Kenreich. Interpreters will be provided for both the deaf and hearing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Deaf Fellowship Church Bus Fund. For information about Deaf Fellowship Church, go to deafchurchlr.com. Mail: Deaf Fellowship Church; PO Box 55053; Little Rock, AR 72215; or Online via cash app: Account $DeafFellowshipChurch; Designate: Sproles Memorial.

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