Gary Charles Sparks

Gary Charles Sparks, 68, of Abilene passed away Saturday, July 16, 2011, at a local nursing facility. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at Second Baptist Church with Pastor Robert Chambers and Pastor Jim Mosley officiating. Burial will follow in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. The family will receive friends at a visitation 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

Gary was born March 28, 1943 in Abilene where he grew up and attended Abilene High. He served in the U.S. Army before returning to Abilene where he worked for many years. Having been married before and having two daughters of his own, he met and fell in love with an amazing God loving woman with three children of her own. Ava Darlene and Gary were united on October 13, 1979. Gary worked hard all his life serving God and serving others. An active member for 32 years at Second Baptist of Abilene, he loved working with the Baptist Men and RA's. Gary was an avid hunter and loved the outdoors.

He is preceded in death by his parents Charles Morris and Bernice Irene Sparks and a brother Martin (Jack) Barker.

Survived by his wife Ava Darlene; three daughters Stephanie Holaway and husband Robert of Abilene, Terri Bastardo and husband Pete of Early, and Michelle Wilkins of Brownwood; two sons Mark Lemley and wife Denise of Abilene and Gene Lemley and wife Bonna of Abilene; sixteen grandchildren Amanda, Brandon and wife Lauren, Tonya, Kevin, Alicyn, Paige, Brittany, Colton, Nicholas, Nathan, Maria, Mackenzie, Vincent, Mercedes, Gracie and Lindsey; and one great-grandson, Travis.

The family would like to thank the staff at Coronado Nursing Home and Hendrick Hospice Care for their love and care. Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory St. Abilene, TX 79601 or to Coronado Nursing Home, 1751 N. 15th. Abilene, TX 79603.