Peter Hale Sprague, Sr. '49, 93, of Asheville, NC, passed away on January 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He made it to the 24th, a special day for his late wife and family. Affectionately known as “Pop” or “Peter Rabbit,” Peter will be remembered for his warm heart, generous hospitality and natural gift of conversation. His life was often centered around the table, where he shared countless meals and cherished memories with those he loved.
Born in Bryn Mawr, PA, on August 5, 1931, he was the youngest child of John Frederick Sprague, Jr. and Norma Stewart Freeman Sprague. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Mary Ida Brown Sprague, and his brother, John “Jack” Frederick Sprague III '47.
Peter attended Friends School, Wilmington, DE; Montclair Academy, Montclair, NJ; and The Haverford School, Haverford, PA (Class of 1949 & 1950). Peter’s time at The Haverford School was marked by some of his fondest childhood memories. It was there that he forged lifelong friendships, excelled in sports, captaining the basketball team and playing tennis and football—and enjoyed the camaraderie of his teammates. After the passing of his father, Peter returned to Haverford for a post-graduate year, where he once again led the basketball team as Captain. Over the years, Peter made a point of returning to Haverford for milestone reunions, on a few occasions with children and grandchildren in tow. He stayed deeply connected to the school and the bonds he had formed with his classmates.
Peter began his collegiate years at Princeton University where he played on the freshman basketball team. He soon transferred to UNC-Chapel Hill and graduated in 1955 with a degree in Economics. While at UNC, under the leadership and fatherly influence of basketball coach Frank McGuire, he became manager of the men’s basketball team and delighted in the opportunity to play in a few games. He also worked part-time at the Carolina Inn, served as President of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, and was a member of the Order of Gimghoul. Most notably, Chapel Hill is where Peter met Mary Ida, his future bride, on a blind date. They went on to share two fun-filled years together – attending dances, basketball games, and playing tennis. The two often returned to Chapel Hill for reunions and alumni luncheons.
Peter and Mary Ida were married on November 24, 1956, and went on to spend two memorable years in Tokyo, Japan, where Peter served in the Army CIC. During their time there, they made lifelong friends with Japanese and American families. After returning to the US, they lived briefly in Bryn Mawr, PA before settling in Asheville, Mary Ida’s hometown, where they built a life together and raised five children.
Peter committed his life to his family, church, work, and community. He fostered a close-knit and supportive home and encouraged and uplifted his loved ones in all their endeavors. Peter found joy in sports, music, the camaraderie of mealtime, and in keeping a tidy yard – passions he shared with those around him. He taught his children to shoot hoops and play tennis, danced to swing music with Mary Ida in the living room, amused his children with the camel walk dance move as they doubled over with laughter, and had all the neighborhood kids over for leaf-raking projects. Peter and Mary Ida loved spending time at home, keeping an “open house” with a constantly revolving door, where family and friends of all ages were always welcome.
Peter spent most of his career at Three Mountaineers, Inc., becoming General Manager and then President. After 20 years with the company, he recognized the rapidly changing business world and, eager to stay “up to speed,” earned an MBA from Western Carolina University in 1978. His low-key, soft-spoken leadership style, combined with his commitment to integrity, quality, and a touch of fun, shaped both his work ethic and his relationships. He took great satisfaction in saying, “Three Mountaineers was a good place to work.”
Peter instilled in his children the values of generosity and service, leading by example through his deep commitment to his community. He dedicated countless hours to organizations such as the United Way, the Boy Scouts, the Heart Fund, Asheville City Schools, and Grace Episcopal Church – often bringing his children along to help. At Grace Church, he served on the Vestry as Junior Warden, Senior Warden, and Campaign Chairman of the Committee of 1000. He also enjoyed the church’s Country Store, showing up yearly in the Three Mountaineers’ Ragtop truck full of ponderosa pine kindling.
In his later years, Peter found joy in driving around town, reminiscing about old memories, and staying connected with neighbors and friends. Peter’s mind remained sharp as a tack, and his natural gift for conversation never faded. As the central hub of his large, 20+ member immediate family, he effortlessly and remarkably kept track of everyone’s news and whereabouts and shared these updates across the family to keep everyone connected. In his final days, he continued to chat on the phone with family and dear friends, always making sure everyone was doing okay.
Peter is survived by his five children Peter H. Sprague, Jr. (Leslee) of Asheville, Mary Stewart Sprague Duffy (Scott) of Charlotte, Eleanor Sprague Grady Jameson (Randy) of Asheville, David B. Sprague (Diane) of Boone, and Sallie Kate Sprague Winter (Paul) of Raleigh; his 14 grandchildren Allison, Morgan (Robert Martin) and Natalie Sprague; Genevieve Duffy; Monica, Myles, Shannon, and Claire Grady; Eleanor, Mary Louise, and David W. Sprague; and Thomas (Amber), Peter (Kristie), and David Winter; great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Lainey Winter, plus another on the way; and many nieces and nephews.
Our family is sincerely appreciative of the staff and residents of Brooks-Howell Home, Mission Hospital, and Asheville Pulmonology.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Grace Episcopal Church (Asheville).
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests remembrances be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804, or The Haverford School (Basketball Program Fund), 450 Lancaster Ave, Haverford, PA 19041.
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