Travis Vaughn Sprinkle, 41, of Union Grove, N.C., passed away on Monday, June 17, 2024, at his home. He was born in Iredell County on April 17, 1983, to Janie Elaine Mayberry Sprinkle and the late Vaughn Sprinkle.

Travis came into the world at 5 pounds and 11 ounces. He struggled for a while as he was a few weeks early, but he grew into a healthy young boy. He was a quiet, kind, and thoughtful young man, never having a harsh word for anyone. He loved his family, especially his brother and best friend Luke. He graduated from North Iredell High School with the Class of 2002 and was a member of Friendship Methodist Church.

He loved trains, golf, NASCAR, Wolfpack football, and keeping people updated on weather and politics, where he would always ask, “Would I be correct, Mom?” or “Ain’t that right, Mom?” and she would respond, “Yes, Travis.”

He began collecting trains of all kinds at an early age and soon gathered a collection of train videos and model trains. Many Saturdays were spent with his dad, chasing trains and making home videos. Spencer was his favorite spot, where he and his mom recently spent the day in the museum and hobby shop.

Another one of his pastimes was playing golf, where he, his dad and Luke spent many hours. After their father’s passing, they continued to play and joke about how many balls they lost that day. The Putt-Putt paid off because Travis was a pretty good putter.

His biggest passion was N.C. State Wolfpack football and traveling to Raleigh each fall for games. There was no bigger fan, and he was always happy to beat those Tar Heels!

Life without this special young man is going to be unimaginable. He was a light and a joy to all who knew him. There is a void that will never be filled.

To Travis, from Mom, I leave this quote: “Your life was a blessing, your memory a gift. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.” (Unknown)

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Floyd and Flora Dell Sprinkle; and maternal grandparents, Billy and Iris Mayberry.

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Janie Elaine Mayberry Sprinkle (Larry Kerley) of Union Grove; his brother, Luke Sprinkle of Union Grove; an uncle, David Mayberry (John Meehan); and numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles that he loved dearly.

Travis will lie in state at Troutman Funeral Home from 1 until 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2024.

A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024, at New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Kate Morrison (cousin) and Rev. Bobby Lorton officiating. The family will visit with friends following the service. Acting pallbearers will be Aaron Baggerly, Bert Connolly, Reggie Weisner, Mark Sprinkle, Evan Sprinkle, and Kevin Robertson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Vaughn Sprinkle Scholarship Fund or Friendship Methodist Church.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.