Mr. Earnest Ray Sparks

Earnest Ray Sparks, age 77 of Shepherdsville, returned to his Heavenly Father on Saturday, December 27, 2025. He was born on Thursday, July 22, 1948, in Cox’s Creek to the late James and Thelma Sparks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his nine siblings.

Earnest retired after 33 years of service from Kentucky Solite as a heavy equipment operator. He liked to be outdoors and spent a lot of time riding horses. He loved to Coon Hunt. He was also very popular with others due to his prize-winning Coon dog, that everyone wanted their dog to train from. He was a loving and adoring papaw who loved spending time with all his grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Sandra Sparks and James Sparks; his loving grandchildren, Alexander, Jordan (Abby), Garrett, Donovan (Angie), Hailey (Evan), and Lindsay; a great- granddaughter, Maddie; his siblings, Johnny and Henry, a multitude of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Funeral services will be at 5 pm on Friday, January 2, 2026, in the chapel of Hardy-Close Funeral Home, 285 S. Buckman Street in Shepherdsville with Stevie Frances officiating. Cremation will follow and burial will take place at a later date. Family and friends may pay their respects from 1 pm until the time of service at 5 pm on Friday, January 2, 2026.