Chris Albert "Al / Big Al / Coach Al" Sprouse

Chris Albert "Al / Big Al / Coach Al" Sprouse Jr.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Chris Albert "Al" Sprouse Jr., age 83, of Herriman, Utah, on December 8, 2025. Known simply as "Al," he had a boundless impact on the lives of everyone he met.

Al was born in Charlottesville, Virginia on December 10, 1941, to Chris A. Sr. and Claudine E. Sprouse, who preceded him in death. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Carolyn Payne Sprouse, who also preceded him in death (2020).

Al was also preceded in death by his brother, Robert Lester Sprouse Sr. of Harrisonburg, Virginia. He is survived by his four other siblings: Shirley Lawson of Scottsville, Virginia; Shelby Marshall of Earlysville, Virginia; James Edward Sprouse and wife Peggy of Waynesboro, Virginia; and Wilson I.C. Sprouse and wife Linda of Charlottesville, Virginia. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition, Al leaves behind a remarkable extended family in Utah-too numerous to list-created through his vast circle of influence.

Al enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Charlottesville, filled with adventure, mischief, and athletics. He often spoke fondly of helping his father, the head groundskeeper on the campus of the University of Virginia. Living in the historic "Old Stone House" on campus, he had the entire university grounds as his playground.

Al attended Albemarle High School and later graduated from Rock Hill Academy. During these years he met Carolyn, who quickly became as central to his life as athletics. He excelled in track & field, football, and basketball, earning scholarship offers from both Clemson and Brigham Young University. He ultimately chose BYU and played football there.

While at BYU, Al and Carolyn slipped away and married without telling anyone. Al returned to campus for fall semester without her, and the couple shared their happy news with their families over Christmas break. Carolyn soon joined him in Provo, and they spent the next 57 years together until her passing.

During his time at BYU, Al began working for Mr. Durfey of Durfey's Dry Cleaners, "running routes" to deliver and pick up clothing. In true Al fashion, he learned every part of the business. After moving to Kearns, Utah he eventually purchased Durfey's Dry Cleaners and remained involved until selling the business at age 80. We have love and gratitude for those employees at the cleaners for making Durfey's Dry Cleaners a success for many years -thank you!

After finishing his football career at BYU, Al found a new lifelong passion-coaching football. He began with a ragtag junior league team of 14- and 15-year-olds in Kearns and transformed them into champions. He became known for finding troubled youth and giving them purpose through football.

Former player Dean Paynter once wrote: "Al Sprouse posed a bigger-than-life image in the blue-collar town of Kearns, Utah. He lived there; he worked there; and he altered the community through the lives of hundreds of young men who lived there." Many believe that what he instilled in those young men played a significant part in Kearns High School winning its first state football championship in 1972.

Al expanded his influence by coaching at multiple high schools, including Cottonwood High School, Kearns High School (state champions in 1989), Olympus High School, Granite High School, and Riverton High School. Players quickly learned that Al coached with patience, empathy, precision, and high standards. He never accepted mediocrity-and he never let his players accept it either.

In the early 1990s, Al and Carolyn moved to the small community of Herriman, Utah, hoping for a slower pace. To their surprise, the little town grew rapidly, but they still found joy in working around their home and yard, building friendships with neighbors, and visiting with loved ones on their back porch. They created their own paradise on what became affectionately known as Sprouse Estates.

Al also cherished his furry family members. I'm sure he will miss Hima, LuLu, and all other wildlife that are currently living in his backyard. Now, reunited with Carolyn, they can once again enjoy the company of RJ, Prissy, Luther, Angus, Keely, Dusty, Pepper, Winston, Maggie, Oscar, Beaux, Shennen, Gracie, B.C., and many others.

Per Al's wishes, there will be no funeral or viewing. Instead, we will honor him with a celebratory open house at his favorite restaurant:

Ogie's Restaurant
3515 S. Redwood Road
West Valley City, Utah 84119
Saturday, December 20th, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Please come enjoy a meal with Al.