We are saddened to announce the death of our father, William Ward Sprague Sr. on June 28, 2025. Dad lived an active life right until the end, with lots of family and friends around. This recent Father’s Day June 17 he enjoyed a cookout with family and a boat ride around Boothbay Harbor. Several days later, on June 21, he proudly and enthusiastically attended his granddaughter’s wedding where he was able to visit with family, many relatives and friends, as well as other guests in attendance (we have some great photos). Til the end he was sharp as a tack and had that twinkle in his eye. Dad even managed his final wish - to die peacefully in his sleep in his own bed at home. He was a month shy of his 98th birthday. Many of us were betting he would make it to 100. 

We have a lifetime of wonderful memories. A few of the recent ones include – him raising the American flag every day, walking a mile 4-5 days a week at the Y throughout this past winter and spring, reading the Wall Street Journal every day up until his last Monday, occasionally driving to the local grocery and drug stores (his current license expires on his 100th birthday), mowing his own lawn until the last few years, the yearly scraping and painting around the house (he loved to paint), and him enjoying the daily harbor activities; the boats, tides and weather; and watching as dusk approached to see the lights come on at the various channel markers and lighthouses. We always gathered with him for birthdays, holidays and special events, including 2 this June.  

 Dad was affectionately known as “Big Bill.” This was nothing to do with his size or demeanor but merely to keep track of "which Bill" we were referring to for phone calls, on birthday cards, calls across the house, and during family functions.  This grew and carried through life. Introductions, family and friends, and even the youngsters- he was "Big Bill."  And years ago when our brother-in-law "Bill" joined the family, we had to refer to him as William to keep it all straight.  But what fun it has been.  

We heard many stories about the trips he and Mom took, traveling up and down the east coast, the winters in Florida, and a variety of trips to California, Hawaii and Alaska. Shelling on the beaches of Florida, his retirement golfing buddies, old fishing stories, and activities and trips with his fellow Shriner’s. They both had a wide circle of friends and an active social life. 

He loved real estate. He always stayed up to date on happenings and trends, proclaiming over the years he couldn’t believe how prices have gone up. He was selling houses in the late 50’s for $7,500. Dad owned 17 boats over his lifetime, always fixing them up, enjoying them for a few years, making a few bucks, and buying another. His first boat was one he built in the cellar garage of our house with father-in-law Alton. Dad also enjoyed golf, and despite being an average golfer, scored 8 holes-in-one due to his extreme accuracy. 

Dad liked people, and they liked him back. We always enjoyed comments about him being a great guy, his positive attitude, his work ethic, that he was a real gentleman, and how highly they respected him. He was a great role model to us and others, and we were lucky to be his children. He certainly enjoyed a life well lived. 

Dad’s late life mantra was – “nobody should feel sorry for me when I die, as I have had a wonderful life. I have lived longer than I ever expected, and I have accomplished so much more in life than I ever dreamed possible. I’ve been a very lucky man.” 

He was born and spent much of his life in Augusta, Maine, before retiring in 1985 (age 57) to summer on the water in Boothbay Harbor and winter in St Petersburg, Florida. His last 15 years were full time in Boothbay Harbor. Dad was fortunate to have had a long, healthy, and happy retirement. 

Dad was born in Augusta on July 21, 1927, the son of Capt. Frank B. and Martha Ward Sprague R.N. He lost his father at age 9 when his dad succumbed to prior war related injuries. 

He attended Augusta schools, graduating from Cony High School in 1946 where he was the treasurer of Chizzle Wizzle , member of the student council for two years and earned several letters in sports,  While on student council our dad met our mom.  He said she had the "prettiest blue eyes." They married in 1950, and Dad credits Mom for a big part of his success. She managed a complex household consisting of, among other things, caring for an extremely active husband, and raising three energetic children. They were a great team and we had a happy home. 

Being part of the “Greatest Generation,” in 1945, at the end of his junior year in high school, Dad enrolled in the Naval Reserve at Maine Maritime Academy. He served for three months when the Navy cancelled the program with the ending of the war. This allowed Dad to return to Cony in October of his senior year to graduate with his classmates. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served for two years in Japan with the occupation troops.   

Returning from the service, Dad studied business administration at Nichols College on the G.I. Bill, and two “work” scholarships.  He was class treasurer, Marshall of his graduating class and returned to the campus for several years serving on their advisory council. 

Dad’s working career started at the local paper mill at age 15 and on his 16th birthday he became employed at the local post office as a substitute mail carrier. He worked after school, summers, and every vacation. This continued throughout his high school and college years. Starting pay was $1.65, and he felt he had the best job in town.   

After college graduation in 1950, He was first employed with Robbins Company, selling wholesale groceries for a local food company. When the owner announced his intent to retire, Dad coordinated the sale of the business to one of his route customers. The companies became part of the newly formed Associated Grocers of Maine. He then was employed for 6 years at Central Maine Power Company. Dad took a big gamble in 1958 when he left a secure job at CMP, with two young children, to work full time in his own Real Estate and Insurance Agency. He always mentioned how many people cautioned him against it. 

Despite this caution, selling real estate became his passion and lifelong career. He started selling real estate and insurance part time out of our basement in 1957. It first was the WW Sprague Agency. It grew into Sprague and Baker Real Estate in 1971, and with the addition of Tom Curtis in 1976 became Sprague and Curtis Real Estate. Dad and real estate were a great match. He found success early in his career and was a dominant local Realtor throughout his working years. Bill Jr. (Little Bill) joined the firm in 1978, and Dad walked away in 1985 for retirement and Boothbay Harbor. Sprague and Curtis RE lives on and is still very active today. 

In addition to real estate sales, he had a variety of other related activities. For a number of years he also had his own insurance agency, and did appraisals. He also enjoyed building and renovating homes; they were inventory for the sales agency. He formed Sprague Construction Company; at one time having as many as 16 people working. He also developed 3 office buildings, created a number of subdivisions, and bought and sold dozens of properties. These were done through his Kennebec Homes and J&S Development companies. Plus, he was always doing upgrades and renovations at our home. 

He was a licensed REALTOR, Insurance Agent, VA & FHA Appraiser, and a National Certified Appraiser.  In addition, he was a Maine Licensed Guide for 25 years and an Auctioneer.  

In 1956 Dad became a director of the First National Granite Bank (Bank of Maine) and at the time was the youngest bank director (age 29) in the state.  This relationship continued over 30 years until the bank was merged with a larger organization.  He continued his banking relationship through several mergers with NorthEast Bank, Fleet and Norstar Banks. 

Community service was always an important part of his life. He always preached about community involvement – saying “you can’t just take – you have to give back to your community.” His contributions were extensive. 

Dad was active in the local Jaycees, becoming President in 1954. He was named Maine Outstanding Chapter President that year.  He received their Distinguished Service Award and was honored by being named a Jaycee Senator. In 1962 he was named by the Jaycees as Augusta’s Outstanding Young Man and in 1963 was one of Maine’s three Outstanding Young Men.  

The Augusta Hallowell Chamber of Commerce awarded him a Distinguished Service Award in 1963.  He was active in the Chamber for over 10 years serving on its Board, Executive Committee and as President in 1961-1962. 

In 1986, Le Club Calumet presented Dad with their Outstanding Citizen Award. Fourteen years later in 2000 he was proud to present the same award to his son Bill Jr. – being the first father and son recipients.  

In 1987, the Kennebec Valley Chamber presented him with its first Lifetime Achievement Award.  

Dad was an active member of Kiwanis Club for 40 years with perfect attendance. He was its President in 1963-1964.  While in Kiwanis he founded the Past President Club, Scholarship Foundation and for 25 years was chair of their Nominating Committee.  In 1978 the Augusta Kiwanis Club presented Dad with their Distinguished Service Award.  That same day the City of Augusta proclaimed Bill Sprague Day in Augusta. 

He founded Augusta’s first investment club 10/30 Associates. He was their president until its dissolving years later. 

He was past president of the Augusta YMCA serving on its Board for over 10 years. He also was chairman of the Building Committee for the “new Y” / major addition in 1971. The Board resolved in its minutes that “without the presence, influence, and guidance of Bill Sprague, the new YMCA would never have been built.”  He was the YMCA Man of the Year in 1971.   

Dad was the Local Gifts Chairman for MS for over 16 years and served on its State Board of Directors .  He was co-founder and co-Chairman for over 10 years of the Augusta Prayer Breakfast. Other charitable organizations include chairman of the local Red Cross, a corporator of the hospital and he was active on numerous community fund drives. 

He was also a member, and at one time chair, of the Augusta Development Commission, a member of Augusta’s four Boards of Trade, (the developers of the Augusta Civic Center Complex, an industrial park, and the Augusta Business Park), and Chairman of the Augusta Recreation Commission. 

State affiliations include V.P. of the Economic Development Corp. of Maine, Advisory Committee for the Performing Arts Center at the University of Maine at Orono, and President of the University of Maine at Augusta Foundation. Dad was proud to have been one of 5 founders of the Augusta-Hallowell Community Chest (now the KV United Way) and part of the group that helped establish the University of Maine at Augusta. 

He was a member of the Augusta Country Club for approximately 30 years and served on its Board for 10 years.  He was also a trustee of the Augusta Golf Company.  Dad was a 50-year 32nd degree Mason, Scottish Rite and Kora Shrine member.  He was a former member of the Down East Yacht Club, and a member of the American Legion and VFW.  

In his retirement years he was an avid tennis player and golfer. He had numerous golf and tennis plaques and trophies, and lots of buddies. 

We kids are very fortunate. Our lives have been blessed. We’ve had lots of good times. We may have lost a great father, friend, grandfather, great-grandfather, in-law, and step-everything. But, we’ve lived a lifetime of wonderful memories.  

Dad was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, our mom Elizabeth L. Sprague, and a newborn daughter Judith. 

He is survived by daughter Susan Sprague Flanders (Bill) of W. Gardiner, son Bill Jr. (Lesley Dolloff Sprague) of Manchester, Maine, and Cynthia Sprague Fylstra (Tom) of Chelsea, Maine; two grandchildren Katie Sprague Jones (Riggs) of White Marsh, Maryland, and Michael Ryan Flanders (Cory) of Pittston, Maine; a great-grandchild David William Flanders of Randolph, Maine; and six stepgrandchildren, Eric L. Flanders (Martha) of Rhode Island; Marco Gasbarrone (Katie) of Gorham, Megan Moulton (Chris) of Readfield, Bryan Fylstra (fiancée Katy Schmidt) of Bucksport, Kristen Meehan (James) of New Jersey; and Thomas Fylstra Jr of Augusta. Also, niece Ann Hussey Hogaboom (and family) and Richard Hussey (and family). As well as several cousins and in-laws. 

A heartfelt thank you to daughter/sister Cindy and her husband Tom for their time, energy, and sacrifices to allow Dad to live out his last years at home.    

We greatly appreciate the attention to our Dad from numerous individuals who provided care, compassion, and friendship including Dr. Alamo and his wonderful crew at Boothbay Harbor Primary Care, the watchful eye of many friends and neighbors in Boothbay Harbor, visits from longtime friends and relatives, and a special thank you to Tara and Georgia from the Hospice organization. 

Per our father’s request there are no visiting hours and there will be a private burial service. The family plans a celebration of life later this summer. Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home of Augusta. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting www.plummerfh.com.  

For those wishing to make a donation in Dad’s name please consider: 

Augusta Kiwanis Scholarship Foundation 

c/o Jean Claveau, Treasurer 

12 Sunrise Drive 

Hallowell, ME 04347 

or 

Cony High School Alumni Association 

c/o Jim Chase, Treasurer 

734 Shepard Road 

Union, ME 04862