06/29/2026
John Charles Spradley, known to family and friends as John, passed away on June 28, 2026, at Embrace Hospice of South Carolina, leaving behind a life marked by devotion, service, and strength. He was born on December 9, 1943, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and throughout his life he carried with him the values of hard work, loyalty, and kindness that came to define him.
John was a man who could fix just about anything, and his handy nature served him well in both his work and his daily life. He enjoyed tinkering in his shop, especially wood working which cost him a few fingers, cooking Sunday dinner, and camping in the camper he built from scratch. All of his family members have projects in their homes that he built. No project was ever complete, despite protests from his family. He was a handyman that insisted on teaching his kids, and grandchildren valuable life skills including, but not limited to, changing brake pads and oil, building bird houses, unclogging sewer lines, and making proper sweet tea. When he was not in his shop, you could find him watching westerns on repeat.
He proudly served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Tripoli, Libya, an experience that reflected his sense of duty and willingness to serve something greater than himself. After his military service, he built a respected career as a bus mechanic for SCEG in Charleston, where his skill and dependability were appreciated by those who worked alongside him. He later graduated from Clemson University with a Certification in Career and Technical Education in Auto Mechanics. He became an auto mechanic instructor at Hannah-Pamplico High School, where he continued to use his talents to help others. John eventually retired from Hemingway Career and Technology Center, concluding a long and steady career as an auto mechanic instructor. As a teacher for 26 years, he took extra special interest in his students having entire classes at his house for pilau dinners and helped several of them rebuild engines for their cars. A couple of special young men, Ossie Coleman and Sammie Ard have stayed close to him for over 40 years.
John took pride in being Muddy Creek’s sharpest dressed man, wearing the most starched Levi jeans known to man, bolo tie, leather vest, western hat and his infamous cowboy boots. He described himself as “sexy as a rooster with socks on” after having “showered, shaved, and glorified his hair”. Back in the day, Johnny really enjoyed hanging out with his buddies at James Lewis’ store and dinner nights at “The Ponderosa”.
John was a member of Ebenezer Methodist Church, the American Legion, and the Indiantown Masonic Lodge. These affiliations reflected the importance he placed on faith, fellowship, and community. He valued being part of organizations that stood for service, tradition, and mutual respect, and he carried those principles into every part of his life.
Family was at the center of John’s world, and he cherished the people he loved most. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy Altman Spradley; his children, Tammy Spradley Brewer (Donnie), and Kelly Spradley; his grandchildren, Kelly Alyss Coker (Dyson), Hanna Rose Spradley (J.J. Dease), Graysen Brewer Gantt (Ethan), and Altman Brewer (Logan); and his great-grandchildren, Lenny Coker, Louise Coker, Yates Coker, Hamp Spradley, Evelyn Dease, JC Dease, Meridith Brewer, and Atlas Brewer. He is also survived by his sister, Jacque Bailey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee Spradley and Edna Hayes Spradley; his brother, Robert Spradley; and his sister, Jo Berry.
John’s family is grateful that he has been reunited with his best friends, Don Brewer, Mutt Powell, Harry Lee Haselden, his dog, Little John, and his Lord, Jesus Christ.
The family would like to especially thank his caregivers, Amanda Hillyerd, who “had his number” and “his girl”, Mrs. Annette Stuckey-Harrison.
Those who knew John will remember a man who was steady, capable, and deeply devoted to the people around him. He was the kind of person others could count on, whether for a helping hand, a practical solution, or a word of encouragement. His presence brought comfort and reassurance, and his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched through his work, his service, and his love for his family.
Services will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be left at www.young-fh.com.
Young Funeral Home of Hemingway is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 933-4262