Funeral Services for Mr. Donald Gene Sparks, age 90 of Ashland, will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland with Joseph Sparks and Pastor James Clutter officiating. Burial will follow at the Clay County Memory Gardens.
Mr. Sparks passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at the Clay County Nursing Home. He was a lifelong resident of Clay County, growing up around the Shiloh and Chandler Springs communities. After graduating from Clay County High School, he worked at a cotton mill in Talladega, before beginning a 25 year career with the Alabama State Highway Department as a Road Engineer and surveyor. Mr. Sparks would go on to work as a night shift supervisor for the Spring Valley Chicken Plant, Wellborn Forest in Alexander City, and lastly for Wellborn Cabinets. Mr. Sparks was a diehard Alabama football fan, raising generations of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to support the Crimson Tide. He enjoyed going to the Talladega Superspeedway to watch NASCAR races, and enjoyed listening to Southern Gospel Music, or having a BBQ for the whole family on the weekends. Mr. Sparks was a family man, often working two jobs at the same time to support his family. That didn’t stop him from having a positive attitude, always showing up and lending a hand to those who needed it. He had a selfless attitude, and was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Mr. Sparks was a member of First Baptist Church in Ashland.
Mr. Sparks is survived by three children: Richard Sparks (Diane) of Port St. Joe, FL, Rita Sparks Anderson (Russell), and Stephen Sparks, both of Lineville; 13 grandchildren: Josie Shelby, Justin Sparks, Joseph Sparks, Patrick Sparks, Mike Sparks, Stephanie Upchurch, Jonathan Upchurch, Brooke Anderson Chappell, Emily Anderson Sheppard, Brett Sparks, Allison Sparks, Brayden Sparks, and Payton Sparks; 27 great-grandchildren; one sister in law, Luneal Clutter (Ps. James) of Athens, plus a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Henry Basil and Lassie Smith Sparks; his wife of 52 years, Vida Rebecca “Dimple” Sparks; one daughter, Phyllis Upchurch; and his siblings: Bill Sparks, Mary Horn, and Barbara Pace.
Active Pallbearers will be: Justin Sparks, Joseph Sparks, Patrick Sparks, Mike Sparks, Jonathan Upchurch, Brett Sparks, Payton Sparks, and Jared Chappell.
His visitation will take place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland beginning at 12:00 P.M. until service time at 2:00 P.M.
