Billy Sparks
Billy Wayne Sparks, 74, of Signal Mountain died on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at his home.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son who delighted in his family. A man of faith and strong conviction, he was a hardworking self-starter and a steadfast friend. Mr. Sparks was the one you turned to when a problem arose. He could troubleshoot and repair just about anything. Always working on projects or planning the next, he was not one to sit idle, unless there was a good game or race on. You could count on him to play hard as well, whether shooting pool, darts or range targets. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, and enjoyed 4-wheeling, boating, and camping.
Mr. Sparks retired from the Tennessee Valley Authority, where he sustained the community for many years by literally keeping your lights on. When power plant outages occurred, he diligently worked to complete maintenance and resume operations, even if that meant long, hard shifts with no days off until the job was done. And yet he still found time to coach little league baseball, basketball, and soccer, mentoring many youths alongside his children. Mr. Sparks is a Marine Corps veteran, having proudly served our country in Vietnam. He enjoyed being an active member of the VFW Post 4848 and volunteering with the Southeast Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross. He attended Rock Creek Fellowship.
Mr. Sparks was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Daisy Sparks, a brother, Roy Sparks, and a grandson, William Stavlund. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 52 years, Linda (Manning) Sparks; children, Tricia (Frank) Groe, Stacy (Michael) Stavlund, Billy (Rebekah) Sparks, Jr., and Timothy (Margaret) Sparks; siblings, Donald Gene Sparks, Ethel Faye Blanton, Anna Mae Thomas, Janie Louise Dowe, Troy Lee Sparks, and Joseph Leon Sparks; nine grandchildren; numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. with a short outdoor service in Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4-6 p.m. on Monday and 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Tuesday. Those unable to attend the service may join us live for the service at https://www.facebook.com/chattanooganorthchapel/
We respectfully request that "social distancing", wearing masks at all times, and all CDC measures be followed at the funeral home and cemetery.
Donations may be directed in memory of Billy Sparks to the Southeast TN chapter of the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. To donate, click here: https://www.redcross.org/local/tennessee/ways-to-donate.html
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.
Billy Sparks