Charles Ben Sproles

Charles Ben Sproles (1938-2026) passed away peacefully in his home during the morning of April 27, 2026, at the side of his wife of 68 years, Carolyn McKinney Sproles.

Charles graduated from Harris High School in 1956 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Health and Physical Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He continued his education and completed his PhD at Florida State University in 1972.

Charles’ love for the outdoors, sports, and physical fitness was evident throughout his 88 years of life. He earned his Eagle Scout Badge from the Boy Scouts of America and was the captain of the high school football and basketball teams. Over many years, Charles taught and coached several sports including basketball, football, soccer, tennis, track, swimming, wrestling, golf, skiing, bowling, and badminton. His passion for teaching and coaching, passed on to him by his parents, led him to teach and coach at Hargrave Military Academy, UNC Wilmington, Barton College, Mitchell High School, and Mars Hill University.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, GB and Charlie Mae Sproles, and his sister, Peggy Sproles. He is survived by the love of his life, Carolyn McKinney Sproles, their three daughters, Debbie (Sam) Blevins, Donna (Paul) Buchanan, and Diane Struble, and one son, Gregory Charles (Julianna) Sproles. Carolyn and “Dadan” have 13 grandchildren, Nickolas, Savannah (Casey), Lincoln (Cari), Samantha (Richard), Lindsey, Erin, Devon (Tyler), Delaney, Caitlin (Danté), Alexandra (Preston), Achilles, Ben, and Sadie. They have seven great grandchildren, Casen, Elias, Luke, Owen, Asa, Lilja, and Kate.

The family will receive guests at 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Spruce Pine, NC, with services to follow at 5:00 p.m. and will be conducted by Reverends Ken Sausedo and Rocky Branch. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge, Inc.