Joseph (Joe) Noble Sprigg, born on August 14, 1958, in Birmingham, Alabama, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, in Maryville, Tennessee, at the age of 67 after a courageous 2½-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Joe graduated from Maryville College in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry. He dedicated 37 years to Alabama Power Company, beginning his career at the Farley Nuclear Plant in Dothan, Alabama. In 2000, he transitioned to the Miller Steam Plant, where he rose to Environmental Team Leader. Among his notable accomplishments were leading the closure of the coal ash pond and overseeing the design and completion of a security shooting range on site. Joe retired on May 15, 2021.

An avid outdoorsman and adventurer, Joe's love for nature began during his time as a Boy Scout with trips to Philmont in New Mexico and canoeing expeditions in Canada. As a high school student, he worked as a camp counselor at Tremont Institute through the Youth Conservation Corps. He enjoyed hiking, biking, fishing, and camping and always found time to take the scenic backroads to explore. He was blessed to be able to travel many places near and far but when asked where his favorite destination was, he always said "home," no better place than being at home. He was a former active member of the Birmingham Sailing Club, racing his Flying Scot on Lake Logan Martin and once helped crew a sailboat from Key West to Charleston.

In retirement, Joe pursued woodworking and crafted heirloom pieces for his grandson. He joined the Blount British Car Club and enjoyed driving his TR6 to car shows. He also enjoyed RV camping across Tennessee. His faith deepened at First United Methodist Church in Maryville, where he found fellowship with the Sojourners Sunday School class where he volunteered at the warming shelter as well as other various events at the church.

Joe is survived by his wife Jackie Dye Sprigg; children Jane Noble Sprigg, Catonsville, MD, Edward Wilmans Sprigg II (Kalissa), Henryetta, OK and William Cody Abbott, Maryville, TN. grandchildren Elliott (Ellie) Monroe Abbott and Henry Morgan Sprigg; siblings Susan Sprigg Keenan (Neel), Columbia, SC and Katherine Sprigg Kilpatrick (Alan), Mountain Brook, AL many nieces and nephews along with special friends Donald and Nancy Guthrie, Mountain Brook, AL and his White Gate family. He was predeceased by his parents Elizabeth Noble Sprigg and Edward Wilmans Sprigg, sister-in-law, Barbara Burns and brother-in-law-Jim Dye.

A memorial service will be held on August 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at First United Methodist Church, 804 Montvale Rd., Maryville. One of Joe's favorite things was inviting people over to the house to share a meal and visit. Please join us in Wesley Hall for refreshments and a special video created in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online or by mail to any of the organizations listed below.

Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont, 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN 37882, Friends of the Smokies, P.O. Box 1660, Kodak, TN 37764, First United Methodist Church, 804 Montvale Station Rd., Maryville, TN 37803. Family members may donate to: Johnson Land Company, 2833 Chancel Lane, Henrico, VA 23233. Joe’s memory will forever inspire those who knew him as a man of grace, kindness, and unwavering love for his family, friends, and the great outdoors.