Elmer A. Sparks

Elmer A. Sparks, 74, of Hamburg, died Saturday, July 16, 2016 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Sparks was a native of Surry County, North Carolina and a resident of Ashley County since 1989, after moving from Marvell, Arkansas. He earned his BS in Education from Cumberland College and his Master’s in Education from Northern Arizona University. He went on to have a 40 plus year career in education, having served as the Principal at Marvell High School and later the Fountain Hill School. He retired in 2002, having served as a teacher and school administrator in North Carolina, Arizona, Florida, Louisiana and Arkansas. He was a born-again Christian, a Gideon, and a member of Gardner Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. Elmer loved encouraging others and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather; a generous man of integrity to all who knew him. He was an avid writer, accomplished photographer and enjoyed his garden and the great outdoors.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Claudie Sparks, his parents Amos and Lucille Sparks, and brother, Ronnie Sparks.

He is survived by three sons, Jeff Sparks of Hamburg; Chaplin Jay Sparks and wife, Rachael, of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Major Jeremy Sparks and wife, Jamie, of Fayetteville;  and a sister, Linda Esparza of Mount Airy, North Carolina. He was affectionately known as "Papaw" to six grandsons: Jonah, Jeremiah, Joseph, Jas, Jett and Jude,  a loving uncle to five nephews, three nieces, five great-nephews, seven great-nieces, one great-great niece and one great-great nephew.  His dear in-laws who held a special place in his heart: Nancy Sparks of Mount Airy, North Carolina, John and Dian Ricks, Jerry and Sharon Cruce, and John Allen Cruce all of Hamburg.

Funeral services are 10 am, Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at the Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home Chapel with sons, Chaplin Jay Sparks and Maj. Jeremy Sparks and Bro. Eugene Howie officiating. Burial will be in the Prairie Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers are Jonah Sparks, Jeremiah Sparks, David Ricks, J.R. Cruce, J.W. Cruce, Darrin Billings, Bobby West and Brian Wilson. Honorary pallbearers are Joseph Sparks, Jett Sparks, Jude Sparks, Jas Sparks, Jerry Freeman, Ted Rial, Earl McCrory and Dennis Byrd. Memorials may be made to The Gideon's International, PO Box 83 Crossett, AR 71635 or the Arkansas Baptist Children's Home PO Box 552, Little Rock, AR 72203. 

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

 “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”           Romans 5:8

 Service Information