Cecil Ray Sparks

He was born November 16, 1930, in Lockwood, West Virginia, the youngest of three children, to Cecil Ralph and Vida Summers Sparks.

The family moved to San Antonio in 1933 during the Depression. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1948, then graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with his Bachelors in engineering in 1953, and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with his Masters in engineering in 1955.

While working in Pittsburgh after graduation, Cecil met the love of his life, Judith Eckstein and they married on August 10, 1956. They moved back to San Antonio in 1957 and he worked for the Southwest Research Institute, retiring as Vice President and head of the Applied Physics Division in 1989, and then stayed on as a consultant until 2002.

From 1973 to 2005, Cecil served as a Sunday school teacher in the University United Methodist Church teaching the "Builders Class". When he wasn't working or serving his church community, Cecil enjoyed being a rancher in Atascosa and Kendall Counties, woodworking, and playing the guitar.

Cecil was a life long animal lover and a loyal friend to many. His good nature, kindness, and dry wit will be missed by those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judith Sparks; and cherished daughter, Nancy Sparks.

Cecil is survived by his children, Dr. Claudia Alldredge of Comfort, and Paul Sparks of San Antonio; Sister-in-law Claudia Eckstein; Son-in-law Dr. Benji Alldredge; his much beloved canine companion "Hobo"; siblings, Ralph C. Sparks, Ruth Sparks Meckel and Laura Sosa; grandchildren, Bryan, Rachel and Katie Alldredge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gaddis Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 566, Comfort, Texas 78013.