Oneal Sparks
June 10, 1939 – April 8, 2023
Oneal departed this earth April 8, 2023, after choosing to spend his last days at home with family.
He appreciated the simple things in life. He worked 33 ½ years at Reynolds Metal Company, last position being a slitter operator, to provide for his family. Wood working, fishing, and traveling were his enjoyable past times. As an avid reader, he was a WWII and old west history buff. A born again Christian, he treasured his church family at Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist in Russellville, where he was a faithful member.
Oneal was preceded in death by his parents, Wiley Sparks and Lottie Zelma Skidmore Sparks. Sisters Lucille Humphries, Jean Belew, Ann Skidmore, and Brother, James L Sparks.
He is survived by his wife of 61+ years, Betty Jo. Daughters Anita House (Rob) and Vickie Watson, both of Atlanta, Ga. Two grand-dogs, JoJo and Herbie; sister, Linda Underwood; and a host of nieces & nephews.
The visitation will be 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Spry Memorial Chapel, Russellville. Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel with Bro. Roger Bond officiating. The burial will be at Colbert Memorial Gardens, Tuscumbia, Al.
Pallbearers will be Jim Balch, Kenneth Belew, Joel Belew , David Humphries, Mark Sparks, Billy Wayne Entrekin, Bratie Underwood. The Honorary Pallbearers will be Eddie Glasgow, Donald Hatton, Kenneth Robins, Alan Barksdale, Junior George, Jim Cooper.
The family sends a special thank you to his physician of many years, Dr. Kenneth Rose: Pastor Roger Bond and our church family for the loving support during Oneal’s extended illness: all Gentiva Hospice employees, especially his nurses Keri, Tammy, and Carmen. Spry Funeral Home staff for kindness shown our family.
In lieu of flowers: memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or charity of your choice.
Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family. To have us sign the book for you, please free to call or to leave private condolences, please visit our website at www.sprymemorialchapel.com
