With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Brent Winzer Sprott, who departed this life on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the age of 40. Born on December 2, 1983, in Newport News, Virginia, to Sandra Kay Ellis and Bobby Ray Sprott, Brent’s life was a testament to love, dedication, and boundless generosity.
Brent was raised throughout Hampton Roads, Virginia, and spent his years lovingly caring for his husband and their homes in both Newport News and Shacklefords, VA. His devotion to his family and community was unwavering, reflecting his deep compassion and hospitable nature.
A child of the forest and the fields, Brent found great solace and joy among plants and animals great and small. Throughout his lifetime, he became a father to countless plants, dozens of birds, fishes, and his dogs, cats, ducks, and chickens, each treated with love and care.
Brent pursued his education in Virginia Beach, Virginia, earning an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts Cum Laude. His culinary journey saw him serve as an executive banquet chef at Fort Magruder Hotel in Williamsburg, VA, and later achieve a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Management (Magna Cum Laude), which led him to Windsor Meade assisted living facility in Williamsburg, VA, where his food and creativity warmed the hearts of many elderly citizens.
Brent’s career took a significant turn as he transitioned from hospitality to the IT sector, securing a promising position at Anthem (now Elevance Health). Through perseverance and self-driven training, he quickly rose to the esteemed role of Scrum Master, a testament to his dedication and professional growth.
Beyond his professional achievements, Brent’s heart lay in nurturing his homes and his loved ones, tending to his animals, and mastering the arts of horticulture and mycology. His passion extended to advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community; and he joyfully spent nearly 10 hours each week roller-skating, meeting new people, and maintaining his vibrant health through an active and fun-driven lifestyle.
Brent’s infectious good humor and positivity were known to all. He possessed a hospitable spirit, always going above and beyond to make friends, family, and even new acquaintances feel comfortable, well-fed, and happy. Brent was an excellent cook, a wise advisor, a steadfast champion, and a true hero. His warmth and generosity touched countless lives, and his overflowing love and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Brent is survived by his beloved husband, Ranit Ghosh; his in-laws, Rina and Dilip Ghosh; his mother, Sandra Kay Ellis; his sister, Trena Rhee Sprott Walton; his brother, Timothy Grant De La Raga Sprott; his niece, Heidi Blair Walton; his nephew, Timothy Grant White; and his best friend, Fabio Giuseppe Buffa. He also leaves behind his cherished pets, dogs Yukon and Woodstock, cat Coco Chanel, and many chickens and ducks with imaginative names, including Henrietta, Pearl, Chartreuse, and Sacajawea. Additionally, Brent leaves behind many dear and long-time friends and extended family. Many of his friends became more like family due to his hospitable spirit.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Vincent’s Funeral Home, 417 11th St, West Point, VA 23181, with a viewing from 12 pm to 2 pm, followed by a memorial service at 2 pm. A reception will follow at Anna’s Italian Restaurant, 3040 King William Ave, West Point, VA 23181.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the love and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Human Rights Campaign, which supports LGBTQIA+ rights and advocacy, using this link, honoring Brent’s legacy of kindness and community.
