Howard Wayne Sparks, 92, of Minter, passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at Paris Regional Medical Center. The family will receive friends at Bright-Holland Funeral Home Saturday, May 1st from 1:00 – 1:45 p.m., followed by a funeral procession to Knights of Honor Cemetery where graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Donnie Sherrill officiating. Howard, the son of Joe & Jessie Hullett Sparks, was born July 4, 1928, in Lamar County. During the Korean Conflict, he served in the United States Army from Oct. 11, 1950 – Aug. 19, 1952. On Feb. 7, 1976, he married Birty Lee Pitcock, building nineteen years of memories before her death on Aug. 15, 1995. Howard worked several years at Southern Paper Box Company and Pat Swaim Fertilizer before beginning a career with J. A. Sparks Construction where he retired following many years. One of the joys in his life was spending time with his family at Lake O’ the Pines, and fishing with his good friend, Eddie Ellis. His wife, Birty Lee Sparks, and a brother, J. A. Sparks, preceded him in death. Survivors include children, Janis Morrison & husband Shelly of Blossom, Deborah Jackson & husband Steven of Blossom, Kay Rector & husband Mike of Minter, Terry Pitcock of Paris, Jerry Pitcock & Misty Looney of Paris, and Darla Walker & husband Murphy of Weatherford, 19 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, 10 great great grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Juanita Sparks of Deport, and two nieces, Luanne Sparks and Dawne Darden along with many friends. Casket bearers will be: Shane Rector, Eldon Jackson, Mitchell Pitcock, Jimmy Little, Toby Archer, and Kenny Rector. Honorary bearers will be: Steven Kelly Jackson, Donald Day, Jeremy Little, and Silas Taylor.
