Sparrell Duard Amos

Sparrell Duard Amos, 92, of Christiansburg passed on Sunday, April 23, 2017. He was a WWII Navy veteran who served two tours of duty. Serving first in the Mediterranean on destroyer Escort 170, escorting ships to England, Africa and Italy. His next tour of duty was on the U.S.S. Vicksburg, CL 86 in the Pacific raiding Honsu and mine sweeping the Japanese waters. Later they were asked to serve with the 52-32 task force of the 7th fleet in the Pacific. Medals of honor received were European, African, Middle Eastern, American Service Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and three battle stars. They were given a big honor in San Francisco upon the return of the 7th fleet.

Sparrell was born into a large farming family in Cleveland, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Malaha Ann (Annie) Huffman and John Amos. He was number 14 of 15 children, all being called before him. Brothers, Bill, George, Tom, Paul, Clyde, Noah, Leamon, Sam, Giles, and Claude Amos; sisters, Bessie Artrip, Virginia (Dare) Sterling, Ernestine Wallace, and Margie Owens. His heart was broken when his oldest son, Thomas, passed in March before his own calling.

Sparrell was a first class machinist and retired from Hercules Radford Powder Plant but would let you know that he considered himself a farmer. It was his passion. He was an avid story teller and loved to talk to all people and was loved by all that met him. His kindness and generosity defined him. He loved his family and devoted his life to making their world special. As he grew up in the depression era he, like many others in his generation, could make or fix anything and
knew how to save everything.

Sparrell is survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen Harr Amos; his daughter, Lana Criner (David); sons, Douglas Amos (Barbara), and Gregory Amos (Mary); daughter-in-law, Jean Amos; grandchildren, TreySuarez (Shannon), Matthew Criner (Jamie), Adam Criner, Nicole and Danielle Amos; and great-grandchildren, Kylie and Macie Criner.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, from 5-7 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be on Thursday, April 27, 2017, at 11 a.m. in the Horne Funeral Home Chapel. Military graveside honors will follow in Sunrise Cemetery in Fairlawn.