Lester Sparks

Funeral services for James “Lester” Sparks , age 78, of Cookeville, will be held Tuesday, October 27th at 1:00 p.m. at the Willow Avenue Church of Christ with James Allen Sparks, Ken Stone, John Sparks, and Robert Sparks officiating. Interment will immediately follow at O’Connor Cemetery in Sparta, Tennessee. His family will receive friends Monday evening, October 26th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until service at Willow Avenue Church of Christ. Per the family's request and for the well-being of everyone, visitors will be required to wear a mask and observe social distancing measures. Mr. Sparks passed away on October 18, 2020 of complications from a long battle with cancer. Lester was born in Sparta, TN on September 28, 1942 to the late Charlie Uvalda and Illa Dezion (Knowles) Sparks. He graduated from White County High School and earned an Electrical Engineering degree from Tennessee Technological University. Lester was married to Peggy Lou (Kinnard) Sparks on September 1, 1962; they were married 55 years when she passed. Lester retired after teaching electrical trades and electronics for 31 years at the Richmond Technical Center in Richmond, Virginia. He also served as a deacon and elder in the church of Christ for many years. Lester is survived by his son, Paul Timothy Sparks and wife, Marsha Sparks, of Baxter, Tennessee, and two daughters, Rachel Carrie Mayes and husband, Barry Mayes, of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, and Deborah Sue "Debbie" Sparks of Cookeville, Tennessee; three grandchildren, Cora Isabel Mayes-Barron and husband, John Mayes-Barron, Annabelle Grace Mayes, and Isaac Edward Sparks; his siblings: Myree Sparks (sister-in-law), Lydia Newman, Charles Sparks, Illa Elizabeth “Liz” Stone, Dianna and Joseph Neal, John and Linda Sparks, Estel “Ray” and Benita Sparks, Gary and Debra Sparks, and many nieces, nephews and other extended family. In addition to his parents, Lester was preceded in death by: his wife, Peggy; daughter, Dinah Lynn Sparks; brother, William Sparks; brother-in-law, Clyde Newman; sister-in law, Shirley Sparks; and brother-in-law, Charles Stone. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either: Healing Hands International 455 McNally Drive Nashville, TN 37211 (615) 832-2000 *OR* Happy Haven Children's Home 2311 Wakefield Drive Cookeville, TN 38501 (931) 526-2052 Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.