JAMES MCDOWELL SPROTT
James McDowell (Mac) Sprott, 95, left this world to rejoin his beloved wife, Ruth Hill Sprott, on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021.
He is survived by his devoted son, Rodney McDowell Sprott, of Los Angeles, California, daughter, Carol Sprott Jackson, and son-in-law, Thomas Andrew Jackson, of Irmo. He cherished his grandchildren, Christy Jackson Rivers of Boone, North Carolina, and Ryan McDowell Jackson and Ryan's wife, Carter Staples Jackson, of Tucker, Georgia, and he felt blessed to know and adore his great-grandson, Mercer Dean Jackson.
Mr. Sprott was born in Manning, son of John Webb Sprott and Minnie Sue Sauls Sprott, both of Manning. They later moved to Lynchburg. He attended the University of South Carolina and graduated from the Louisiana State University School of Banking. Mr. Sprott had a distinguished career of military service, having volunteered at age 17 during World War II in the Air Force. He was assigned to the Fighter Pilot Program, serving until the end of the war. In 1950, he was recalled to active duty during the Korean War.
In 1950, Mac and Ruth were married, and their 68 years together were full of family, friends and travel. Their love story has inspired his family, and their affection for each other never waned. Known to many of his employees and all of his family as Papa, he loved being the patriarch of a loving family.
Mr. Sprott began his banking career of 43 years at Peoples Bank in Lynchburg. After serving in the Korean War, he joined Wachovia Bank and Trust Company in Charlotte, North Carolina. He left Wachovia to become CEO of Citizens State Bank in Bennettsville, where he served 10 years as the youngest CEO in banking in the state. In 1963, Mr. Sprott joined the National Bank of South Carolina in Sumter as vice president and city executive. In the latter part of his banking career, Mr. Sprott was closely involved in agriculture banking, during which time he was chairman of Ag-Bankers Association, a five-state banking group. In 1980, Mr. Sprott was named the state's Agricultural Action Banker by the American Bankers' Association. In addition, Mr. Sprott served as secretary-treasurer of the Agricultural Bankers 5th Federal Reserve District as well as chairman of the Small Business Administration. In 1990, Clemson University honored Mr. Sprott in recognition of his contribution to the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. His career spanned 28 years with NBSC, and he retired in 1991 as senior vice president.
Throughout his adult life, Mr. Sprott was active in his community as a civic leader. He was commander of the American Legion in Lynchburg and in Bennettsville was a member of the JAYCEES, serving as a state vice president. He was a Rotarian for many years, serving as president of the Sumter Rotary Club; vice president of the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce; president of the Sumter Merchants Association; the Sumter County Development Board; treasurer of both the Salvation Army and YMCA for many years. Mr. Sprott served as a commissioner of the Sumter Area Technical College for 17 years, ending his tenure as chairman, during which time he was instrumental in having the name changed to Central Carolina Technical College. He served on many local and statewide committees throughout his career. Following his retirement, Mr. Sprott was recognized by the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce for many outstanding and unselfish contributions to the Sumter community over four decades. Throughout his professional, civic and personal life, Mr. Sprott was known for his strength of character and honor, integrity and business acumen.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church with the Rev. Joseph R. James Jr. and the Rev. Dr. Reginald Thackston officiating.
Due to COVID-19, masks and vaccinations are required to attend.
The family will receive friends following the memorial service at the church.
Private burial will be in the Manning Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 226 W. Liberty St., Sumter, SC 29150, or to Sumter United Ministries, P. O. Box 1017, Sumter, SC 29151.
Online memorials may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com.
Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.