Gus was a man that had many adventures and misadventures and was always eager to recount them. Throughout his life, he enjoyed entertaining his family and friends with stories of the places he went, the people he met, and the things he did. He was often described by his friends as the most interesting man in the world.
Gus was proud of his service to our country as a Sergeant in the Marines during the Vietnam War. He brought back with him a love for martial arts and Japanese culture. He earned a black belt in karate and went on to become a Sensei sharing his love and skills with the local martial arts community.
Gus was a talented artist and was generous in giving of his talents. He perfected his skills in fine woodworking and pottery. He was always willing to step up to help out on a project or gift something beautiful that he had created. He was also a multi-talented musician. Gus’s favorite pastime was playing music with his friends and family. He was an avid gardener and a lifelong student but most importantly to him he was a son, a brother, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, and a dear friend to so many people. He was incredibly proud of his kids and cherished his grandkids.
Gus was preceded in death by his brothers Woody Knight and Kenneth Sprague. He was survived by his brother Leonard Sprague and his four children Aaron Sprague, Dustin Sprague, Dasha Sprague Faires, and Dylan Sprague along with his 11 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Gus, we hope you’re up in heaven surrounded by people you love with your ass in the sand, eating shrimp and strumming the guitar.
The family-hosted celebration of life will be September 6th – 8th, 2024 at the family cabin at Falling Water.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
21 Comments
Gus is indeed one of a kind friend. His stories will be told over and over again.
Semper Fi Gus
Thank you for the kind words and for your service to our country.
Going to miss your friend. I will not forget the many memories we shared and you letting me use the cabin when i needed to get away. You eulogy really gives a great definition of the man you was. I could just set and listen to all your stories for hours. You did share your art with many, I have a peice that I will continue to cherish because it cane from you. Thank you for being my friend for the last 30+ years. You will be so missed. Love you! Until next time!
Thank you Karla, he considered you a good friend.
Although I’d never actually met him – we were friends on Facebook, and we’d always comment back and forth- he had a beautiful way of expressing his pottery each and everytime..he did say one time we knew many mutual people so we should meet..a regret of mine that we didn’t ..I feel he was a wonderful soul, and will be greatly missed.
RIP Gus.. I believe your memory will live on and on .
My friend for a lifetime. I truly loved and respected Gus.
Praying for his family and friends he will be greatly missed , so many stories and memories😭😭😭
Gus was a friend and teacher of life. His medium, in my case, was karate. He showed me how to live life with zest and leave nothing in the tank. Goodbye, Sensei, until we meet in the sky dojo.
My wife and I met Gus just shy of 30 years ago. It was a true honor to be his friend and he will be greatly missed
Thanks Rich
He was a very loving, caring, talented man…,I honestly considered him as my best friend, he will definitely be missed and I’ll never forget all the memories we shared.
Gus was a dear friend and neighbor for over 25 years. I have so many memories of him. He taught me how to play the guitar because he was tired of hearing my ” terrible strumming ” when we were stuck up on the hill during a snow storm.
We watched Razorback football, the news, and played music. We worked in the gardens and built boxes in his shop.
I frequently got in trouble for drinking his bar dry…
I am going to miss him terribly. We laughed, we cried, and we argued. And at the end of the day, we were friends and I loved him like family.
Til we meet again my dear friend. I love you
What a great tribute! He was indeed a caring man. Someone who never met a stranger. He was part of my teen years, always had an open door and music playing.
Oh Gustavson, u will be so very missed by so many people my friend. U have touched the lives of so many in one way or another. U were one of the most talented people I know. Kind, & generous, sometimes to a fault. U was so proud of his garden & all of ur flowers. I hope u, Jimmy, & Dale are kicked back having a jam session on a beach somewhere up there boyo. I’m sure ur having the time of ur afterlife right now. Catch some fish for me if u get the chance. Until we see each other again my friend, I love u.😭
My friend and first band mate. Love him with all my heart. Miss him . No tears in heaven. ❤️
If there ever was a God blessed man it would be you Gus. So talented and always expanded your talent. Not only did you teach yourself to play the guitar you learned to make your guitar. Your kind and happy spirit will be cherished. It is has been a joy to know you! RIP Gustable.
Rest in peace old friend. Fly high and make music with angels. Prayers for all family. 🙏❤
Go rest high on that mountain my dear friend. We played some music, ate great food out of that garden, had such great times at the cabin. You will be missed by so many.
RIP Gus. Thank you for your service. May God Bless.
Gus, I already miss you. Gus was my friend and teacher. He loved his family above all, especially his grandchildren.
Gus was a great friend to me and my family. I met him back in the 70’s when he hosted his Fall “Rocktoberfest” at the cabin. Man did we have some fun – camping out, swimming in the tater hole, hiking the hills and listening to great music.
Over the past decade I would look Gus up when I came to town and we would meet at his house and play music. Bryan, Dwight, Kirk, Jeff, Bozo and others would always show up for those jam sessions.
On several occasions Gus would show me his latest pottery creations. He even gave us several choice pieces – I drink my coffee out of one of his mugs every morning, and we have a few of his masterpieces on display at our cabin. Gus is the reason I got the “pottery bug” just over a year ago.
Gus was an artist. He was a craftsman. He was a musician. He was a father and grandfather. He was a true renaissance man. But most of all, he was my friend. And I will miss him.
Go with God, Gus.
With love, respect, and admiration,
Wade Williams
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