Eric "Ricky" Sparks, Sr.

Eric Wayne (“Ricky”) Sparks Sr. (b. July 27, 1962), Christ-follower, loving husband, father, and fan of all things Ole Miss, Tolkien, and fishing, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours on Saturday, December 16, 2017. A native of Memphis, TN he relocated to Shelby Co, Kentucky to further his career as a Chemical Engineer at Lawson-Mardon Packaging (now the Bemis plant), where he eventually became the plant manager with a career spanning over 20 years. Eric was passionately involved with his community through Christ Community Church of Shelbyville. Eric was preceded in death by his father, John Lyle Sparks; mother, Mattie Maxine Harper Sparks; and brother, Jerry Lyle Sparks. His is survived by his widow, Regina Lynn Hollandsworth Sparks, sons Eric Wayne Sparks II and John Christopher (Abigail) Sparks; sister, Patricia Ann Sparks; brother John Edwin (Connie) Sparks; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., and visitation will resume on Wednesday from 12 noon until time of service. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at 1 p.m. at Brantley Funeral Home, 6875 Cockrum St., Olive Branch, MS, 38654. Burial will follow at Arlington Cemetery, in Arlington, TN