John Sparks

John W. "Papaw" Sparks, 88, departed this life Saturday, March 29, 2014 at his home. He was born in DeKalb County, Ala. to the late Rev. R.R. Sparks and Laura Kay Meeks. John retired from ET & WNC/Red Ball Motor Freight, Chattanooga Police Auxiliary, and Teamsters Local 515. He served in the United States Army during WWII and was of the Baptist Faith. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Orlean Shaw; great grandson, Gabriel Dickerson; and son-in-law, James "Jr" Kilgore. Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Betty Sparks; children, Donna (Mike) Farmer, Debbie (Jimmy) Dickerson, Gail Kilgore, Johnny Young, Rickey Cope, John (Cindy) Sparks, Johnny Cope; beloved grandsons, Drs. Robert (Lora) Hutcherson, Josh Hutcherson; 19 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2014 in the chapel with the Rev. James Helton officiating. Interment will follow in Lakewood Memory Gardens-East. Family will receive friends from 3-9 p.m. today, and prior to the service Tuesday at the funeral home. Robert Hutcherson Sr., Leroy Horton, Tim Sparks, Jeremy Sparks, Dusty Wright and Brad Mitchell will service as pallbearers. Arrangements are by W.L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Homes-Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.