Jerry Michael “Mike” Sprayberry, 77, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana, after being placed in hospice care.

Mike was born on January 3, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee, and spent most of his life in Southwest Tennessee and Northwest Mississippi, where he built strong roots and lifelong friendships.

A proud Marine, Mike served three tours in Vietnam and was awarded three Purple Hearts along with other honors for his bravery and sacrifice. His service to his country remained a defining part of who he was, and he later continued that commitment by helping bring the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall to Memphis.

Mike worked as a printer by trade and dedicated many years to First Tennessee Bank, where he managed the print shop before retiring.

He is survived by his children, Kenneth Gray (Lynn), Suzanna Sprayberry Ayler, and Stephanie Sprayberry Scott; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Sprayberry (Gloria) of Memphis, Tennessee; his sisters, Jamie Bruce Brower and Liz Bruce Crosslin of Covington, Tennessee, and Joyce Bruce Miller of Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi; and many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his former wife, Patricia McGaughey Sprayberry, with whom he shared over 30 years of marriage and remained close until her passing in 2013; and his sister, Debra O’Reilly (Edward) of Covington, Tennessee.

Mike will be remembered for his love of the outdoors and the time he spent with his family. He enjoyed hunting and fishing (duck, deer, squirrel, and crappie) and made lasting memories with his children during weekends at the family cabin in Arkansas, riding ATVs, as well as at annual squirrel camp in Covington, Tennessee, where time was spent hunting and playing washers. These traditions and moments meant everything to him.

A celebration of life will be held in Memphis at a later date.

The family is grateful for the support and kindness shown during his illness.