George Sparks

George Emmanuel Sparks, Jr., 88, peacefully went to be with the Lord with family by his side Monday, March 4th, 2019 due to complications of Alzheimer’s. Born September 4th, 1930, in Carbon Hill, Alabama, he was one of five children born to George Emmanuel Sparks, Sr. and Clara B. Wages.

George proudly was a Marine and his reserve unit, the 155th artillery battalion, was activated and sent to Camp Pendleton in California then Korea, where he fought during the Korean War. Upon returning, he moved to Houston, Texas, where his sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Jack McGuire lived. There, he met the love of his life, Precious Ann Stevens, married her on November 25th, 1952 at which time he became a Texan, but always referred to himself as the “Alabama Transplant”.

Early on, his career started in sales for Nabisco and spanned the next 60 years, including his own marketing company during that time. He worked until he was 82, the last 15 or so years, he sold gourmet kitchen and food items for the McLendon Company located in the Trade Mart in Dallas. His success in sales was due to his boisterous personality, George was jovial and always had a joke to share.

His main hobby was golf. He played in many tournaments and enjoyed playing with friends and family. George had a beautiful voice and had singing lessons when he was younger. Music filled his life and his entire family enjoyed singing together often.

He was a believer in Christ, a Deacon, dedicated to the Lord and loved going to church. He led the music, accompanied on the piano by his bride Ann, at First Baptist Church in Hampshire, TX, then onto Wilcrest Baptist Church in Houston for many years. George and Ann raised their children and lived in the same house for 37 years. They moved to Leander Texas in 2003, then moved for the last time, to Georgetown, TX in 2008, nine houses down from their daughter, Laurie.

George is survived by his wife of 66 years, Precious Ann Sparks; along with their three children; Steve and Sherry of Willis, TX, Doug and Kim of Lincoln, NE, and Laurie and Perry Walker of Georgetown, he has seven grandchildren, David, Patrick, Jennifer, Shaun, Kellie and Ashley (Mark), Mary (Jesse), 11 great grandchildren and one remaining sibling, Tony (Meredith) of Steele, Alabama; and many other loving nieces, nephews and relatives. His family is comforted knowing they will see George again…

Memorial services for George will be held at 10:00AM Monday, March 11th at the Central Texas State Cemetery in Killen, TX. Inurnment following in the Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association or any charity of your choice.