W.J ‘Buddy’ Spradley Jr.

Posted on April 16, 2025

W.J. Spradley Jr. of Tampa died April 6, 2025, at the age of 92.

For all of his life, he was affectionally called “Buddy.”

He was born May 24, 1932, at the Spradley family homestead in Greenville.

His grandfather established the homestead in 1885 and it is still maintained by the family.

Buddy attended school in Greenville until he was 16 when he suffered a life-changing accident with a broken leg and a complicated recovery. He did not return to school after the injury; he enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 16.

He experienced an enriching career in the U.S. Army, serving 21 years, retiring as a major.

He attended Officer Candidate School in Fort Sill, Okla., and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery Branch.

He served as commanding officer and paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne and 101st Airborne Divisions. He made over 60 jumps and earned the Senior Parachute badge.

He served a Vietnam tour with the First Calvary Division from 1965 to1966.

He spent most of his military career as a field artillery officer in Germany, Holland and Belgium. Buddy received numerous medals during his distinguished military career, including the Bronze Star.

Upon retiring, Buddy returned to his family homestead to embark on his lifelong dream, restoring the land back into the beautiful wildlife sanctuary it is today.

He was an enthusiastic supporter and advocate for civic and community-oriented endeavors, giving, caring for and loving his neighbors.

After his military retirement, he became an accomplished, award-winning salesperson representing national insurance companies and health and well-being products.

Buddy dearly loved his extended family, the Campbells, attending the Campbell reunions and serving on the Campbell Reunion Board of Directors.

He loved his family and community unconditionally and led with passion. He had a reputation for being a fearless leader, had an unconventional habit of taking on insurmountable challenges and often exceeded his goals.

Buddy is survived by: his wife of 21 years, Beth Spradley; his only surviving brother, Dillard Spradley, Texas; a daughter, Susan Strom, Jacksonville; a son, William Jackson Spradley III (Elizabeth), Jacksonville; two stepsons, Michael Taylor (Lynn), Tampa and Adam Taylor (Andra), Tampa; nine beloved grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by Janie McGee Spradley, to whom he was married for 45 years; his parents; and seven siblings.

Graveside services will be held Monday, April 14, at 2 p.m. at Campbell-Harmony Church Cemetery in Greenville.

The family asks in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: East Lake United Methodist Church, 2801 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor, FL 34685, or Campbell-Harmony Cemetery, P.O. Box 10237, Tallahassee, Fl 32302.

Beggs Funeral Home of Madison is in charges of arrangements.