William "Ed" Sparks

06/03/1938- 12/11/2024

William Eddie “Ed” Sparks, 86, of Richlands Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on December 11, 2024. Ed was born in Tazwell County, Virginia, and raised in Seaboard, Virginia, to Edward “Ted” and Elsie Silcox Sparks.

Ed joined the Air Force in 1955 and proudly served until he retired in April 1979. During his career, he had multiple duty bases, with Eielson Air Force Base, Fairbanks, Alaska, being his favorite.

In his spare time, Ed enjoyed golfing, fishing, traveling and attending Church. He was a member of Pisgeh Holiness Church and Grace Tabernacle Church. Ed loved his family and had a very special place in his heart for each one of them.

Ed was preceded in death by his dad, Edward “Ted” Sparks, his mom, Elsie Silcox Sparks, his first wife of 45 years, Frances “Frankie” White Sparks, his brother Fred Sparks, and his granddaughter, Ashley Renee’ Dodge.

He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Maudie Sparks, his daughter, Teresa Sparks Dodge of Ormond Beach, Florida, 3 stepchildren, Jerry Rowe (Barbara) of Swords Creek, Virginia, Gary Rowe (Deidra), Richlands, Virginia, and Debbie Hess (Darrell) of Cedar Bluff, Virginia.

He is survived by one brother, Pat Sparks of Port Orange, Florida, and one sister, Donna Berrong (Billy) of Holly Hill, Florida.

He is also survived by a nephew, who was like his son, William Eddie Berrong (Shelly) of Daytona Beach, Florida and a very special cousin who was like his brother, Don Sparks (Gloria Jean) of Ringgold, Virginia.

He is survived by 4 grandchildren, Annaleigh Rowe, Micaiah Noel, Haley Cole, and Jefferey Sayers.

He is also survived by 7 great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, December 18, at 10 - 11 a.m with the funeral starting at 11 a.m. Viewing will be on Tuesday evening from 4 - 7 p.m, December 17, at Volusia Memorial Funeral home in Ormond Beach, Florida, with Reverend Mike Altizer and Reverend Michael Switzer, with interment to follow at Volusia Memorial Gardens with honor guard detail at the graveside service.

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Waters of Bristol Nursing Home of Blountville, Tennessee, Gentiva Hospice for their loving care and support and Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, Ormond Beach, Florida.