Jacksonville - J.D. Spraggins

A funeral service for J.D. Spraggins, 99, is scheduled for 2 p.m., Monday, October 6, 2025, at Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville with Rev. Scott Cottingham officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at Grimes Cemetery.

J.D. was born on January 2, 1926, in Jacksonville, to Jesse David and Mary Jane (Alexander) Spraggins and went to be with the Lord on September 28, 2025, in Tyler.

J.D. proudly served in the United States Army infantry during World War II from 1944 to 1946. His courage and commitment earned him the Bronze Star for meritorious service, an honor he carried with immense pride throughout his life.

On October 15, 1948, he married the love of his life, Patsy Shuptrine. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. They raised one daughter, Stacye Sutliff, and later raised their grand-daughter Autumn Sutliff who was the light of their lives.

Later he earned his accounting certificate from Tyler Commercial College and went on to build a long and respected career. He worked for United Gas Corporation for 15 years before dedicating himself to over three decades to Southwestern Electric Company.

He was a proud member of First United Methodist Church, the Lions Club, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

J.D. was a devoted husband, father, veteran, and community member. He will be remembered for his unwavering patriotism, his devotion to family, and his enduring presence in the Jacksonville community. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

J.D. was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patsy Spraggins; daughter, Stacye Sutliff; brothers, Ottis and Jimmy Spraggins; and sister, Pauline Ritter.

Left to cherish his memory are his granddaughter, Autumn Cottingham and husband, Vinny; great-grandson, Jensen Cottingham; sister-in-law, Lottie Lou Spraggins; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend, Geraldine Edwards.

Pallbearers will be Vinny Cottingham, Scott Cottingham, Cecil Newton, Logan Newton, Rock Spraggins, and Candice Suttle.

Honorary pallbearers are Jensen Cottingham, Ronald Edwards, and Billy Whitlock.

Rather than customary condolences, the family requests donations be made to Camp V at www.campvyler.org or 3212 W Front St, Tyler, TX 75702.