William Francis Sprinkel
William (Bill) Francis Sprinkel, Sr.
William Francis Sprinkel, Sr., 73 of Port Republic, passed away Sept. 21, 2023 at White Birch Communities. Mr. Sprinkel was born July 13, 1950 in Rockingham County and was the son of the late Gordon and Esther Sprinkel.
After graduating from Turner Ashby High School in 1968, Bill went on to Madison College (now James Madison University), where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. In 1976 he earned his Master of Education Degree in Secondary Education from James Madison University. He completed advanced coursework in Administration and Supervision and a Division Superintendent endorsement in 1992 from the University of Virginia.
Bill was a math teacher at John C. Myers Middle School before becoming an assistant principal at Broadway High School in 1978. From 1986 to 1990 he was the principal of Stonewall Jackson High School in Shenandoah County. After a year's sabbatical, Bill returned to Rockingham County Schools as assistant principal of Spotswood High School. In 1997 he became General Supervisor in Rockingham County Central Office. During the 13 years spent in this position, Bill served as supervisor of Social Studies, Science, Music, Art, Gifted Education and Middle School Principal and Program contact.
In May 1988 Bill married Selah Rainey and lived in Conicville, VA. When Selah became principal of Port Republic Elementary, they relocated to an old farmhouse that together they renovated.
In 2010 Selah became Head of the Elementary School at an American School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Bill accompanied her and for four years worked for the same company. Together they traveled all over the world whenever they had vacation and when they were beginning and ending the school year. Learning to understand and appreciate many different cultures was one of their greatest pleasures that they shared.
Bill grew up attending Dayton Evangelical United Brethren Church. He later attended Cooks Creek Presbyterian Church and when he moved to Port Republic, he became a member of Mt. Horeb Presbyterian Church. He served as Elder. Bill sang in the choir and played the guitar for the contemporary music ensemble.
In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his sons, Jonathan Sprinkel and William Sprinkel and wife Laura; stepdaughter Jessica Rainey; brothers, James Sprinkel and Frank Sprinkel (Annette); sister, Margaret Geisert (Greg); brothers-in-law Steve Stumm and Ted Stumm; four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Selah would like to thank everyone with Legacy Hospice, the staff at White Birch Communities and especially Shelly for the care she gave to Bill with compassion and love.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Johnson Funeral Home in Grottoes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Horeb Presbyterian Church, 4517 Rockfish Road, Grottoes, VA 24441.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at johnsonfs.com.
