Ronald “Buck” Jay Sprague, 81 of Portsmouth, passed away Monday, July 13, 2026 at SOMC in Portsmouth. Buck was born on September 10, 1944 to the late George Nailor and Florence Mae (Craft) Sprague. Buck was a Christian and loved Jesus more than anything. He served his country in the U.S. Navy, and later retired as a caregiver. Buck was a giving person who was always the life of the party, joking with people and making everyone laugh. He also tried to find the good in everyone. He especially loved his family, always making time for his grandchildren. In his spare time Buck loved playing pool and cards and often watched Gunsmoke on television, he also enjoyed drinking coffee on the front porch with his family and good friends, David and Clara Shaffer. Buck also loved relaxing on long rides. Buck was a big supporter of Bonneyfiddle and spent a lot of time with friends and family in the area.

Buck is survived by two sons, Ronald Jeffery Sprague of Portsmouth and Anthony “Tony” Sprague (Fay Prior) of Portsmouth; a daughter, Sarah Prentice (Shawn) of Ironton; seven grandchildren, Olivia Blackburn (Alex), Madison Sprague, Katie Reed, Seth Sprague, Sidney Sprague, Joey Sprague, and Vada Sprague; two great grandchildren, Roman Evans and Grayson Sprague. In addition to his parents Buck was preceded in death by six brothers, Tom Austin, Charles Austin, Daryl (Butch) Sprague, Danny Sprague, Wells Sprague, and Donald Sprague; and four sisters, Linda Cooper, Wanda Phipps, Norma Sprague, and Betty Austin.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 Saturday, July 18, 2026 at SWICK BENTLEY FUNERAL HOME in New Boston. Interment will follow at McKendree Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to the services on Saturday.