Douglas Neal Sparks was born at Morgan County Hospital on Mar. 29, 1942. He grew up in and around Morgan County with his parents, siblings, and a large close-knit extended family of cousins, aunts, and uncles. He lived a very full life surrounded by his family and friends from all walks of life.
He graduated from Tanner High School where he played football and baseball. After graduating from high school he served in the U.S. Air Force, and although he spent most of his career in hospital administration he was also known by many as a great storyteller and handyman. There was never a project involving a car or house that he couldn’t fix.
The best years of his life were spent running a fruit market as a side job with his brothers. Nothing meant more to Doug than family, most of all his kids and grandchildren. He believed in hard work, doing the right thing, taking care of people and loving with all your heart. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
He is survived by his son, Tom Sparks (Leeann), of Hartselle, his daughter Hollie Trenary (Nick), of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; four grandchildren, Harrison (12), Luke (8), Ethan (10), and Tess (6); his two brothers, Donald Sparks, of Belle Mina and Mike Sparks, of Hartselle; and sister, Diane Brown, of Hartselle.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Jackie Sparks, and parents, Louise and Archie Sparks.
Family will receive friends in celebration of Doug’s life on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. at First Methodist Church of Hartselle. A private family interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Doug’s memory to one of the following: Faith House at First Methodist Church of Hartselle, Hartselle Public Library, or Cedar Rapids Public Library, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
