Charles Holley Sparks

Charles Holley Sparks began his eternal journey Sunday evening April 10, 2016. He was 96. He was the youngest child of Charles Ryan Sparks and Pearl Holley Sparks, and was born August 29, 1919 in Prentiss County, Mississippi. He married the love of his life, Hazel Moore Sparks, on September 11, 1938, and that began a journey of love and devotion that endured for 77 plus years! Two of their children, Bettye Sparks McKinney, and Evelyn Marie Sparks, and his two sisters, Evelyn Breedlove and Fairy Harris, predeceased him. He is survived by his devoted wife, Hazel Moore Sparks of New Site, and son, Larry Sparks (Leigh) of Hoover, Alabama, and six grandchildren, Holley Dickinson (Greg), Lauren Bennett (Auston), Leslie Wingard (Mason), Allison Nichols (Patrick), Jeff McKinney (Missie), and Scott McKinney. Also surviving are ten great grandchildren: Caton, Colby, Cally, and Cade Bennett, Thomas and Lily Dickinson, Jordon and Chandler McKinney, and Corey and Tyler McKinney,

Mr. Sparks was a man of Faith who lived it every day, and served as a Deacon and leader in every church where he was a member. He served with the 28th Infantry Division in World War II and was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Campaign and Unit Citations, and other medals for his service. He began his early years as a farmer, but in 1955, moved his family to Sheffield, Alabama, to work for Reynolds Metal, and that would prepare him to later join NASA in 1958 in Huntsville, Alabama. He took great pride in his work (quality control) on the Saturn V rocket that enabled man to go to the moon. He “retired” in 1976 and moved from Decatur, Alabama back to Prentiss County where he continued serving God and his community. He was instrumental in establishing the New Site Water Association serving as its Manager for many years; helped to establish the New Site Volunteer Fire Department, and served as Chairman of the Prentiss County Republican Party. Several years ago, he helped organize a senior citizen social each month where members of the community could join together for fellowship and fun.

His work ethic was supreme, and there wasn’t much that he couldn’t do. From success as an athlete, combat Soldier, farmer, coach of church softball, scout leader, master gardener, cook, community and church leader, he was the best. He loved the outdoors, loved to hunt and fish, and loved to help his fellow man. As a Christian, as a husband, as a father, as a grandfather, and as a friend, he set the example. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him; we will miss his compassion, his humor, and his ability to make everything better. For him, there is no sting in death, no sorrow and pain, and today Heaven has a new gardener.

To honor his life, memorials may be made in his name to your church or favorite charity. Funeral will be Wednesday, April 13, at 2:00 at McMillian’s Chapel, Booneville, Mississippi. Visitation will begin at noon and conclude at 2:00. He will be interred at New Site Cemetery with full military honors, McMillian’s directing, with Reverend Ray Bennett conducting the service. Pallbearers will be his grandsons.

Arrangements under the direction of McMillan Funeral Home, Booneville, MS.