Harold Gray Sparks passed into heaven on August 16, 2024, two weeks shy of his 90th birthday. He was born on August 29, 1934 in Allsboro, AL to Clarence and Ruby Sparks. Harold was married to his wife, Nell, for fifty-four years and they had two children, Vickie Sparks Steles and Douglas Sparks. He spent most of his career at Reynolds, retiring in 1996. In retirement, Harold spent his time growing the best tomatoes, spoiling his three granddaughters and attending as many bluegrass and gospel singings as he could find. He was the first person to visit friends in the hospital and nursing home, donated blood regularly and attended many funerals. Harold was kind, generous and always saw the best in people.
Harold was a child of God. He was a long time member of Grace Life Church in Muscle Shoals, AL and New Bethel Missionary Baptist in Belmont, MS. He was an active member of the Muscle Shoals Senior Living Center and was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Funeral services will be at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Belmont, MS on Saturday, August 24, with Haskell Sparks, Sarah Steles and Emily Steles Mayfield officiating. Visitation will be at 12 p.m. at the church with the funeral to follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be with his family at New Bethel Cemetery. A celebration of life luncheon will immediately follow the funeral for all family and visitors, just as Harold would have wanted.
He is survived by his sister, Betty Askew; his son-in-law, Nick Steles (Katherine), his good friend, Linda Starkey, his pride and joy, granddaughters Elizabeth Steles, Emily Steles Mayfield (John Michael) and Sarah Steles Matthey (Arnaud); great-grandson, Levy Matthey and many nieces and nephews, who he loved very much.
Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Nell Sparks; his daughter Vickie Sparks Steles; his son, Douglas Sparks; his brothers, Morgan Sparks and Jack Farned; his sisters Virginia Calvin, Miriam Smith, Elizabeth Childs and Katherine Piorkowski.
Pallbearers will be Keith Henley, Jeff Henley, Kayo Pinson, John Michael Mayfield and Donnie Joe Sparks.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local food bank or Muscle Shoals Senior Living Center, P.O. Box 2624, Muscle Shoals, AL 36652.
