Donald Frederick "Freddie" Sprinkle Jr.

Donald Frederick (Freddie) Sprinkle, Jr, of Johnson City, TN, passed away on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at the age of 54.He was born on October 20, 1963 to Deanna Barker Elam and the late Donald F. Sprinkle. Freddie, as his family and friends called him, attended Thomas Walker High School where he was a member of the band. Freddie was a very talented graphic artist and graphic designer. He was an editor and graphic artist at the Loafer Magazine where he had worked for over 20 years. Before moving to Johnson City, he had worked as a graphic designer for the Pine Mountain Shopper in Pineville, KY. After high school, Freddie served in the U.S. Navy from 1982 until 1993 where he served as a Quartermaster and also worked in the Naval Chaplain's office. He was responsible for various duties including the weekly church bulletins and managing the station’s religious offering funds.Freddie was preceded in death by his father, Donald F. Sprinkle, Sr. and his grandparents, Earl and Helen Barker of Van Lear, KY.Those left to cherish his memory are his mother, Deanna Barker Elam of Rogersville, TN; sisters, Kim Simms of Rogersville, TN and Susan Harris and husband, Joe, of Pineville, KY; brother, Brian Sprinkle and wife, Kim, of Church Hill, TN; nephews, Donald Simms, William Sprinkle, and Andrew Harris; niece, Rebecca Sprinkle. Freddie also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friend, Lucy Tate.Freddie was loved by everyone and will be missed for his quick, sharp humor, personal jokes, and his caring nature.The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 12, 2018, from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm in the J. Wayne Hamilton Memorial Chapel.A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 2:00 pm in the chapel with Pastor David Salley officiating.A Committal Service with be conducted at 3:00 pm in the Chapel Mausoleum. Honorary Pallbearers will be his niece and nephews.The care of Donald “Freddie” Sprinkle, Jr. and his family has been entrusted to the staff of Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services.Friends ForeverYears ago, to Virginia I moved. Behind my house four kids I viewed. I didn’t know them, but they welcomed me, Forming a lifelong friendship that was meant to be.Between our homes was a field high with grass, But it didn’t take long to wear down a path. From my house to theirs and theirs to mine, Cherished time playing and our lives entwined.Childhood spats and silly jealousies, But nothing could break that bond permanently. Mad a few days as children will do, Quick to forgive and say I love you.Playing cowboys and Indians on the rocks till night, Kick the can, Monopoly and Barbie, were our thrill in those times.Puppies were plentiful at one home or another, And the names we would give them were unlike any other. Black Fat, Wing Wong, and Wot Wot to say a few, And oh how we would giggle when we came up with something new.Riding our bikes on the old road was really great fun, Picking a pear off the pear tree and eating it on the run. The fight on the old road between Freddie-Farty and me, I can’t remember who won, or even how the fight came to be.The trips to the cave, when we sneaked off from home, Up and down the railroad tracks together we would roam.Our sleepover times, with knock- knock jokes on the headboard at night, And the time we fell into the closet from slinging our heads, what a sight!The years slipped away and adolescence arrived, Off to Thomas Walker High School, we joined the band with pride. To our amazement, much more fun was at hand, Cause when we all got together, we had our own little band!The wild times we had during our high school years, Too many boys and too much beer! Graduation came and in time our separate ways we went, But our friendship continues because of a childhood well spent.Such sweet memories I have, that have dwelled in my soul for years, And as I ponder over each one, my heart longs for you to be near.As I gaze out my windows of present and past, My eyes long to view that beaten down path.Written by special lifelong friend, Marla Hensley WilliamsRead Obituary