Leonard Marshall Sparks III, passed away on May 29th, 2024 at the age of 89. Leonard proudly served in the United States Air Force as an Airman First Class, Aircraft Warning and Control from February 1953 to February 1957. He then began his career at SouthTrust Bank where he retired in 1996 as an Officer.
Leonard enjoyed sharing his time with others by volunteering with the Lions Club, JCs in Warrior, Hayden High School Booster Club, the Mount High Volunteer Fire Department, Chamber of Commerce, and many other organizations throughout the years. He was very instrumental in the starting of the Mount High Volunteer Fire Department and the building of the Hayden High School football field . Leonard entered many of his custom birdhouses in the Blount County Fair Birdhouse Competition and won multiple years in a row. Leonard loved tending to his muscadines and azaleas, he had a gift for making muscadine wine which was likely the best around.
He is preceded in passing by Martha Corvin Sparks, Leonard and Eddith Sparks, Gladys Jackson, Ronnie Corvin, and Lewis Dabbs. He is survived by Carroll Dabbs Sparks, Michael Sparks (Carol R.), Jacob Sparks, Addie and Eli Dearman, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and many friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, May 31st, 2024, at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel beginning at 6:00 pm with Pastor Chris West and Bro. Denny Armstrong officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service until 8:00 pm. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be on Saturday, June 1st, 2024 at Oakwood Memorial Gardens at 10:30 am at the Mausoleum officiated by Dr. Sammie Reid.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Just Keep Smiling or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Leonard.
