James "Ed" Sprouse, 91 of Columbus, MS passed away Sunday, September 21, 2014 at his residence. Visitation will be Thursday, September 25, 2014 from 9:30 - 11:00 AM at Covenant United Methodist Church. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 AM with Bro. Jonathan Speegle officiating and Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS directing. Mr. Sprouse was born September 20, 1923 in Lamar County, AL to the late John Thomas and Georgia Ann Walden Sprouse. He was self-employed in the furniture business. Mr. Sprouse was a member of Covenant United Methodist Church, Columbus, MS and music director at Central United Methodist Church. His music career started in 1941 when he won first place in The Stamps-Baxter School of Music Contest. Mr. Sprouse was best known for his work in the Blue Ridge Quartet from 1950-1965. This Quartet became known as having "The Sweetest Singing This Side of Heaven." He sang with the Old Timers Quartet, Blue Ridge Quartet and Senators Quartet. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his first wife-Celeste Alta Sprouse, second wife-Mary Nell Sprouse, sisters-Arvie Lee Blanton and Ann Lee Wilson and a brother-Arlon Sprouse. Mr. Sprouse is survived by sons-Phil (Susan) Sprouse, Holden Beach, NC, Bobby Sprouse and John (Vicky) Sprouse both of Columbus, MS; grandchildren-Cassie Sprouse, Eddie Sprouse, John Sprouse and Emily (Donald) Leslie, great-grandchild-Roland Leslie and numerous and nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Covenant United Methodist Church, 618 31st. Ave. N. , Columbus, MS 39705.