Billie Joe Sparks

Sparks, Billie Joe, 82, passed away April 23, 2011 in Oklahoma City. He was born to Nell Abel and Harold J. Sparks in Chelsea, OK on April 18, 1929. Bill served in the Marine Corps from 1946 to 1949 before being honorably discharged. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma he began a long career as a Geologist in the Oil and Gas Industry. In 1971 he formed a partnership with Ron Ricks and Jerry Jones and together they were involved in several companies, Mid Rains Petroleum, Rick Fund, Top Drilling Co., Deep Gas Exploration and Clinton Gas Transmission. He married Margaret Anderson and they had two children. Bill loved golfing, fishing and hunting. Margaret preceded him in death in 1978. Bill married Robyn Johnson in 1979 and together they enjoyed supporting many organizations, the Zoological Society, Myriad Gardens, Presbyterian Hospital, The Meadows, and the American Heart Association. He was proudly involved in The Eagles for the Republican Party and Served on the Board of Adjustments for Oklahoma City as well as being a member of the Shreveport, LA., Houston, TX, and Oklahoma Geological Society.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Margaret, his brother-in-law, Jan L. Augustin and niece, Valerie L. Tokarz. He is survived by his wife Robbie, daughter, Kimberly Sparks of Dallas, TX, son, Daniel Sparks and his wife Janelle of Edmond, OK, brother, Ross H. Sparks and his wife Dee Dee of Castlerock, CO, sister, Wanda Augustin of Colorado Springs, CO as well as other family and friends that will miss him greatly.

Services will be held on Friday, April 29, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. in the Hahn-Cook chapel. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday evening from 5 to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the OKC Zoological Society, attn. Sparks Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 18424 OKC OK 73154.