Herbert H. Sparks

On Saturday morning August 13, 2016, Homer H. (Herb) Sparks ascended to Heaven in the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, he touched the lives of so many people in a positive way and was always a fountain of hope, encouragement and love for his family and for all those who knew him.

He was born the son of Sam Sparks and Nelia Sluder Sparks in Minneapolis, NC on October 29, 1929, one of 15 children born to his parents.

He was a deacon in several churches, served on finance, building and benevolence committees and at one time in his life, actually physically assisted in the building of a church (Carolina Christian Fellowship in Charlotte, NC) from the ground up. God blessed this man with many gifts and talents which he always willingly used in the Lord’s service.

He was a gifted musician playing mandolin and guitar and played with musical greats such as Bill Monroe, Roy Clark, Arthur Smith, Tommy Faile and others. He was a longtime member of the outstanding Charlotte, NC based Gospel Bluegrass Band, The Beacons.

He was a decorated veteran of the United Stated Armed Forces (Army Paratrooper) and proudly loved and served his country with honor and pride!

His legacy is one of kindness, gentleness and a willing spirit to always lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He retired a number of years ago from Lucent Technologies as a Data Systems Super Technician after a 37 year career.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Carolyn W. Sparks of Charlotte, NC and is survived by an only son, Ken Sparks and wife Stacey Sparks of Concord, NC, two awesome granddaughters, Shannon Sparks Karpovich of Charlotte, NC and Tori Elizabeth Sparks of Concord, one brother, Charles Sparks of Hudson, NC, two sisters, Alta Gragg of Blowing Rock, NC and Doris Harmon of Fletcher, NC, and a number of nieces and nephews located throughout the United States.

Our family will miss you so much dad because you were always the “Rock” for all of us but even though our hearts are broken, we rejoice in the fact that we know we will see you again one day in Heaven.

“Go Rest High on that Mountain… Your Work on Earth is Done.”

Funeral Services will be held on August 17, 2016 at Forest Lawn West Funeral Home at 1 pm with Rev. Dr. Danny Griffin presiding. Interment to follow in the Forest Lawn Court of Honor, an area reserved for honored Veterans and their families.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Carolinas.

Arrangements under the direction of Forest Lawn West Funeral & Cremation Service, Charlotte, NC.