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Johnnie W.H. Sporhase

  • June 11, 1916 - April 28, 2012
  • Norfolk, Virginia
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Memories & Candles

“The life you led and the example you set are impossible for me to put into words. My heart swells with love, pride and joy when I think of you. I...Read More » ”
1 of 14 | Posted by: Benjamin Bryant - Santa Barbara, CA

“May God bless your family and give you daily encouragements during this time of loss. He was a very special friend to us. PR ”
2 of 14 | Posted by: Ed & Pat Rumberger - Waxhaw, NC

“While we morn your passing, I also take time to celebrate the example you set as a man who loved his family, followed the lord and worked his whole...Read More » ”
3 of 14 | Posted by: Jonathan Bryant - Pembroke, MA

“We have fond memories of Johnnie and Norma. Our prayers are with the family during this time of loss. We rejoice that we will all see one another...Read More » ”
4 of 14 | Posted by: Mike and Pat Mower - Indian Trail, NC

“On behalf of my extended family and especially a mother who loved you and Norma, I say farewell for now. And, Mr. Sporhase, thank you for the...Read More » ”
5 of 14 | Posted by: Mike Latsko - Mesa, AZ

“On behalf of my extended family and especially a mother who loved you and Norma, I say farewell for now. And, Mr. Sporhase, thank you for the...Read More » ”
6 of 14 | Posted by: Mike Latsko - Mesa, AZ

“On behalf of my extended family and especially a mother who loved you and Norma, I say farewell for now. And, Mr. Sporhase, thank you for the...Read More » ”
7 of 14 | Posted by: Mike Latsko - Mesa, AZ

“A great man and genuine friend ”
8 of 14 | Posted by: Wayne McBride - Norfolk, VA

“Johnnie was a good friend. I will always have fond memories of him and how I used to kid him about "robbing the cradle." I so enjoyed my visits...Read More » ”
9 of 14 | Posted by: Sonny Phipps - Norfolk, VA

“Becky, my prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Hold on to the precious memories of your father and May God continue to...Read More » ”
10 of 14 | Posted by: Elvira Allen - Norfolk, VA

“We remember warmly John's helping me fix the garage door on my house. He was such a humble servant and will be missed. ”
11 of 14 | Posted by: Mike and Joy Lane - norfolk, VA

“Even as an adult, I could not call you 'Johnnie'. You have always been and will always be 'Mr. Sporhase' to me. A man that is a great friend and...Read More » ”
12 of 14 | Posted by: Kim Monroe - Chesapeake, VA

“Psalm 128:2 - "You shall be blessed and it shall be well with you." In firmest hope and with deepest gratitude and love we honor this one who served...Read More » ”
13 of 14 | Posted by: Don and Sharon Bryant - Pembroke, MA

“I'll always remember your humor. Oh the irony, that you'd leave during my finals week. I know I'm laughing with you when I think of what you'd say....Read More » ”
14 of 14 | Posted by: Laurel Owens - Norfolk, VA


Johnnie W. H. Sporhase, 95, went peacefully to his Heavenly home on April 28, 2012. He was born in Otoe, Nebraska on June 11, 1916, one of eleven children. He was a veteran of WWII, stationed onboard the Battleship New Mexico. He proudly served 20 years in the Navy. He also retired from 20 years in QID at Newport News Shipbuilding. He was a member of Tabernacle Church for over 60 years and also an active member of the Gideons International, Norfolk East Camp. He loved to give away Bibles. He enjoyed serving others and volunteered many hours working at Triple R Ranch, Urban Discovery Ministries, Meals on Wheels and Union Mission. He performed many good deeds behind the scenes and never wanted attention. He was known as the man that could fix anything. He was loved and respected by all who knew him and will be remembered as a loving family man who always had time to help others. He is survived by his wife Norma. They would have celebrated their 65 wedding anniversary on May 23, 2012. Left to cherish his memory are two daughters, Sharon Bryant and husband Don and Becky Owens and husband Gary. He loved his four grandchildren, Jonathan and Benjamin Bryant and Laurel and Kyle Owens. A memorial service will be at Tabernacle Church, 7000 Granby St., Norfolk at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2, 2012. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery at 10 a.m. on May 2, 2012. The family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Norfolk Gideons, PO Box 12271, Norfolk, VA 23541-0468 or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.

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