Gary Lynn Sprowls

Gary Lynn Sprowls, “The Amity Troll”, 74, of Amity, Pennsylvania passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was born on December 31, 1946 to Royal and Leona Hoover Sprowls in Waynesburg. Gary was a 1964 graduate of Trinity High School in Washington, where he played saxophone in the Marching Band. He studied at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics until 1965, when he enlisted in the United States Army National Guard, through 1971, when he was honorably discharged. For nearly 40 years, he maintained an engaging career in mechanical and electrical industries, such as Firestone, RCA, OAS Construction, and Hankinson International. Gary had a love for Harley Davidson motorcycles; “The Amity Troll” earned his nickname when he would ride his motorcycles over hill-and-dale in Amity. He enjoyed building and repairing a multitude of automotive vehicles; if you could name it, he could fix it. He was a master metallurgist and enjoyed blacksmithing, welding, and metalworking, forging art and tools. He had a unique eye for antiquities at auctions and flea markets, often searching for oddities and rare treasures to restore. He was an avid huntsman and fisherman with numerous trophies, including a 6’5” black bear he proudly subdued in 1984. He had an untamable sweet tooth, favoring lime gelatin, peanut butter cookies, and banana nut muffins. In his golden years, he had a striking resemblance to Si Robertson of Duck Dynasty and would often be mistaken as such in public (and Santa Claus around the holidays). He had a love for dogs and adopted many throughout his lifetime. He was a fan of outlaw country western music. He had a contagious sense of humor, a rustic sense of fashion with a plethora of camo-print, and a child-like sense of wonder towards the extenuating circumstances of life. In all the best ways, Gary was an ordinary man with an extraordinary amount of love, respect, and fellowship for his family, friends, and neighbors. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his three sons, Kevin W. Sprowls of San Diego, California, Gary A. Sprowls of Peters Township, and Jay F. (Ammie-Marie) Sprowls of Wilkins Township, all of whom were his greatest pride and joy; his loving wife, Ginger L. Musgrave (Sprowls), whom he married on February 14, 1986; his sister, Sandra L. Fien of Washington; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Cinda Fern Schurr. Memorial donations to assist in funeral expenses may be made at www.FuneralBill.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington, PA 15301.