William Edward Sparks Jr.

Bill Sparks was born in Rahway, New Jersey on April 19, 1943 to William and Adeline Sparks. He grew up with his sister Jacquelyn Coy and brother Richard Sparks. He attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey earning a Bachelors and Masters of Science in Geology. After finishing his degrees, he moved to Texas with the love of his life, Grace.

Bill met his wife of 60 years, Grace Limoli, through his friend Ron, Grace’s brother, when they were just 12 and 13 years old. They married on June 13, 1965 and had three daughters. Bill was employed by Exxon Corporation for 32 years. The Sparks family moved around frequently, even including an overseas assignment in Indonesia. During these transitions, Bill and Grace continued their warm, generous friendships with everyone they met along the way. Always the constant throughout their lives was their special annual trips to the cabin in Maine with their family. The cabin has been a special gathering place for great food (lobstah), homemade pies, swimming, campfires, playing cards and the retelling of funny stories.

Everyone who knew Bill knew he was an extremely intelligent conversationalist, animated and passionate about many things and an avid fossil collector. He was an excellent geologist earning him a successful career as well as many exciting explorations with Grace. He loved adventure, drinking very strong coffee, leftover-snacking, and high on the list – living side by side with his cherished dogs. He was often found outside splitting wood for the fire, and his seasonal claim to fame-transforming the landscape into a Christmas wonderland of lights. We have been blessed to have him for 82 years and will miss him every day. He is preceded in death by his mother Adeline, father William and siblings Jackie and Dick. He is survived by his loving wife Grace, 3 daughters, Deborah Sparks Frank, Michelle Sparks Kershner (Steve Kershner), Christina Sparks Blackshear (Victor Bratcher), 6 grandchildren, Nicole Angelique Frank (Luis Becerra), William Bernhardt Frank, Dean Richard Blackshear, Adeline Grace Kershner, Ryan Angier Kershner and Emily Grace Blackshear, 1 great granddaughter, Elaine Grace Becerra and his canine companion, Daisy.

A private service will be held at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Spring, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the American Heart Association.