John Parish Spraberry

    John Parish Spraberry, age 86, formerly of Lamesa, TX and Lubbock, TX, died peacefully after a lengthy illness on November 3, 2023, at Harvest Assisted Living in Roanoke, TX. 
    John was born July 9, 1937, on his mother’s birthday, in Rising Star, TX to the late Carr Dennis Spraberry and Marguerite Parish Spraberry. Following his graduation from O’Donnell High School in 1955 he attended and graduated from Baylor University in 1959, where he was a highly decorated member of their rifle team. He then served in the Air Force from 1959-1962 as a Captain and expert marksman and member of their rifle team. 
    In 1963, he married Beth Ann DuBose. They made their home and raised their children in Lamesa, TX. John enjoyed teaching Sunday School at First Baptist Church, competing in rifle matches, flying his plane to Baylor football games and other events, and vacationing at their cabin in Cloudcroft, NM. for many years. He also served on the Development Council at Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business. Later, they moved to Lubbock, TX where they remained very active in their church. John and Beth Ann recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. 
    He was affectionately known as Poppy to his grandchildren, who he adored. He was known for stocking his refrigerator for them with various flavored soft drinks and milks, as well as morning donut runs. The King of Dad jokes, he would often order chicken when eating out with the family so he could tell the server it left a fowl taste in his mouth. He will be missed. 
    John was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David Carr Spraberry. Survivors include his wife, son, Edward Carr (Sherri) Spraberry of Berthoud, CO; daughter, Stacia Ann (Joel) Franks of Flower Mound, TX; 5 beloved grandchildren, Kelsie Shea (Brian) Matthews of Lantana, TX, BA (Lynzee) Catney of Argyle, TX; Austin Spraberry of Denver, CO, Andrew Spraberry (Caroline) of Denton, TX and Brandon Spraberry of Dallas, TX; and four great- grandchildren, Sloane and Fallon Catney of Argyle, TX, and Riley and Libby Matthews of Lantana, TX. 
    Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. 
    Services will be held Tuesday, November 7, at 1 pm at Rolling Oaks Funeral Home.

– Press-Reporter obituary services