Richard Alan Sparks

Richard Alan Sparks, age 48 of South Knoxville, expired peacefully at home with his wife and his beloved cat, Orson, at his side. He worked for many years in food service and for a time he enjoyed working at the Lawson McGhee Library downtown. Richard was a voracious reader, especially of science fiction, fantasy and current events. His favorite authors were J.R.R. Tolkien, Hunter S. Thompson, and Kurt Vonnegut. He had a passion for cooking and loved to tweak recipes to make them his own. Some of his other interests were chess and animation, especially the work of Charles M. Schulz. He was a Star Wars enthusiast from an early age. But his most favorite pastime was magic. He was an amateur magician from the age of seven. He loved listening to Bach, the Beatles and Pink Floyd. He was preceded in death by his mother Jane McAmis Sparks. He is survived by his wife, Tina Sparks; father, Harry Sparks; brother, Arthur Sparks (Bonnie); sister, Elizabeth Hope (Jason); step-daughter, Laila Archer (Eric); and step-grandson, James Archer; and one niece and three nephews. Family and friends will gather to remember Richard from 5:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at Berry Funeral Home on Chapman Highway. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Friends of the Smokies (PO Box 1660, Kodak, TN 37764-7660); Friends of Knox County Public Library (500 Church Ave W, Knoxville, TN 37902); Young Williams Animal Center (3201 Division St, Knoxville, TN 37919). Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.