Allen Sprowl

On Sunday, February 26, Allen Sprowl entered into eternal rest and peace with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Allen Sprowl was born on March 23, 1940 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - the fourth child of the late Foster and Angelina Sprowl. He graduated valedictorian from Benjamin Franklin High School of Philadelphia in 1958. During his youth, he enjoyed singing doo-wop with his brothers, where he was the lead singer and playing stick ball. Allen was always the calmest person in the house. He would step in to keep the peace when his siblings got into disagreements. His nickname was 'the Professor'. He grew up collecting baseball cards and comic books. Along with his brothers, he would draw his own baseball players, teams and comic books. He and his brothers enjoyed going to Connie Mack stadium to watch the Phillies play baseball.

Allen was an adult with three children before he learned how to drive. And then had the illustrious pleasure of teaching his wife, Sandra how to drive also. His first car was a red Chevy Impala.

Allen's first job was delivering ice at the age of 13. At the age of 21, Allen married Sandra Sparrow and they had four children - Duane, Gregory, Sharon and Sherita. Allen began working at Sears and Roebuck in 1962 and retired after 27 years of service as a manager of retail merchandising in 1989.

As an adult, Allen listened to Rhythm and Blues Rock and Roll oldies - like the Flamingos, the Platters and Little Anthony and the Imperials. He spent many hours building and listening to an extensive YouTube playlist. He enjoyed watching Turner Classic Movies, the History Channel and british television. Among his favorite movies were, Jurassic Park, Stripes and the GodFather. He was also intrigued and captivated by the history of the Titanic.

Allen became a christian in 1969. He was a faithful servant of Christ and throughout his life led numerous bible classes, bible studies, counseling and song leading. He read his bible daily. There's nothing he loved more than discussing God's word. He served as an elder of the Naperville Church of Christ in Naperville, Illinois and Cameron Avenue Church of Christ in Colonial Heights, Virgina.

In retirement he delivered meals on wheels, participated in making stuffed bears, served meals to men at the Salvation Army and enjoyed watching court TV.

Throughout his life he lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Illinois and Virginia. No matter where he lived, he remained a devoted Eagles, Phillies and Sixers fan. He lived a full life and enjoyed drawing, gardening, baking and spending time with his family. Ask his children about the weekly Saturday cakes and Sunday bread.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61.5 years Sandra; brother, Donald Sprowl (Shirley); two sons, Duane Sprowl, (Katherine Joyce), Gregory Sprowl, (Stacey); two daughters, Sharon Sprowl, Sherita Tyler (DeWayne); Seven grandchildren, Danielle Posley (David Jr.), David Sprowl, Troy Sprowl, Jasmyne Tyler, Tyler Sprowl, D'Marques Tyler, Taylor Sprowl; four great-grandchildren, Micah Holcomb, Dakota Posley, Dana Posley, David Wade Posley; and a host of other nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by Marian Katrina Sprowl, Mattie Lee Battles, Dorothy Mae Doyle, Foster Sprowl all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Cameron Avenue Church of Christ in Colonial Heights, VA. Interment will be private. The family is being served by the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home.