William Clarence Sparks, Sr. was born on October 20, 1921 in Ringgold, Louisiana. The son of share-croppers, RW and Lola Vee Sparks, Clarence learned the value of hard work at an early age. He grew up picking cotton, tending to farm animals, and plowing fields behind an old mule. At the age of 21, he joined the United States Army in July 1942 and left Louisiana for the first time in his life. He was in World War II as a Corporal and completed tours in France, Germany, and the Phillipines with the 86th Infantry Division. Clarence was honorably discharged from the Army on February 28, 1946.
After returning home to Ringgold, Clarence married Sue Nicholson of Mooringsport, Louisiana on April 5, 1947. The young couple moved to Mobile, Alabama where Clarence worked for the Alabama State Docks for over 40 years. They had two sons, William Clarence Sparks, Jr. “Sparky”, born in 1948, and Roger Bruce Sparks, born in 1953. Clarence and Sue attended Wilson Avenue Baptist Church where they served faithfully. They were married for 39 years before Sue’s death on August 27, 1986.
On June 14, 1995, Clarence married Ethelyn Clark of Saraland, Alabama. They too attended Wilson Avenue Baptist Church, and also enjoyed traveling, babysitting great-grandchildren, and gardening. Clarence spent much time praying and reading the Bible, and read it all the way through over 20 times. His favorite verse was John 3:16. Clarence and Ethel were married for 19 years until Ethel’s death on November 24, 2014. Clarence has resided with his eldest son, Sparky, his primary caregiver, in Gateswood, Alabama for the past five years.
Along with Sue and Ethel, Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Roger William and Lola Vee Crumpton Sparks of Ringgold, Louisiana; his youngest beloved son, Bruce Sparks; his step-son, James Clark; his step-daughter, Sherry Clark Archer, and grandson, Keith Archer.
Survivors include beloved son, Sparky, three loving daughters-in-law, Mary Sparks of Gateswood, AL, Trish Sparks (Gene) of Mobile, AL, and Pam Brannan (Mark) of Saraland, AL; five grandchildren, Shelly Young (Tim) of Columbia, SC, Brendon Sparks (Alyson) of Brandon, MS, Rebecca Collins (Sean) of Mobile, AL, Melanie Smith (Rod) of Seneca, SC, and Paul Clark of Saraland, AL; five great-grandchildren, Raleigh Norris of Jacksonville, FL., Hannah Mader of Mobile, AL, Rayne Norris of Columbia, SC, and Madelyn and Hailey Grace Sparks of Brandon, MS, sister, Vivian Sparks Lee of Shreveport, LA, brother Ray Sparks (Barbara) of McComb, MS; brother-in-law, Charlie Nicholson (Nancy) of Jasper, TX; additional grandchildren, Alecia Turner (Jerrod), Susanna Womack (Britton), Justin Gibson (Diana), Dana Lambert (Wes), Kevin Archer (Mary), Paula Hennis, and their children; step-daughter, Mary Elizabeth Little (Don) of Stockton, AL; and countless nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 28, 2019, at Radney Funeral Home in Saraland. Visitation will be held from1:00 p.m. until the service hour. Interment will follow at Valhalla Memorial Gardens in Semmes.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses of North Baldwin Infirmary, as well as, the VA caregivers, especially Timika Williams, for their love and care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideon’s International, Wilson Avenue Baptist Church, or a charity of your choice.
