The Life of Herbert Theron Sparks

Herbert T. Sparks, known to Friends and Family as Sparky, was born in Grovania, Georgia on August 28, 1921, in Grovania, Georgia to the Late Dennis and Dove (Lawson) Sparks.

Although born in Georgia, most of his early years were spent living in Jacksonville, Florida, where his parents had migrated for work.  At the age of 13, when his mother moved to Ohio to seek work, Sparky returned to Georgia, living with his Maternal Aunt Marie and 2 cousins, Vera and Vera Mae, who became like sisters to him.

Eventually at the age of 16, Sparky joined his mother in Cincinnati, Ohio where he completed his High School Education within the Cincinnati Public School System.

The seeds of faith were planted in him as a young boy, in the C.M.E Church. As an adult, Sparky did not prescribe to a particular denomination, but he regularly attended weekly services at various churches throughout the area.   His faith was strong, as he often demonstrated, through his tendency not to complain about the lemons in life, but to make lemonade. When asked how he was able to endure different challenges throughout his life, his response would often begin with, "Well, the Good Lord…"

In 1937, just four days after his 18th Birthday, World War II began and soon after Sparky found himself drafted into military service within the Army Air Corps, which was the precursor to today's Air Force.  This would be the beginning of a 50+ years career of serving his country.  His Active-Duty career was mostly spent as an Airplane Mechanic, who was not too fond of flying.  Military life permitted much Domestic and International travel which included stations in Tennessee and Virginia and England and travel to Italy, France and Spain, to name a few.

On April 13, 1957, Sparky united in Matrimony with the former, Jeannie "Sally" Wilson, welcoming her son Samuel with her.  This union was completed with the addition of: André and Le Andrá and would last nearly 60 years until her passing in 2017.

In 1967, after having served through both WWII and the Korean War, Sparky finally retired from Active-Duty Military Life and returned to settle in Cincinnati with his family.  Sparky was very proud of his Military career, so Retirement from the Air Force was not the end after all.  After a brief stint with the Post Office, Sparky returned to Military-related work becoming the Transportation Coordinator for the Military Entrance and Processing Station (MEPS) where he, among other things, shuttled the New Recruits to the airport or train station on their way to Basic Training.  On occasion, when a Recruit attempted to "chicken out" he would "assist" them onto the plane.

In 1974, Sparky became Pop Pop when his oldest grandchild, Gia was born.  And in 2011, the Legend of Pop Pop spread to a 2nd generation, with the birth of his first Great-Grandchild, Tommy Wagoner III, whom he affectionately called "Buster."

Sparky had a great affection for his Family, immediate and extended, near and far.  He diligently traveled with his family several times a year to visit family in Georgia, Florida and Michigan.  It was important to him that his children knew where he and they came from.  Hearing "do you want to go for a ride?" always brought an enthusiastic yes and a smile.  You knew you were going to wake up in Georgia, Florida or Michigan, surrounded by family, followed by "Go call your Momma and tell her where you are!"

Once he was no longer able to drive, the telephone became a cherished commodity to him.  And according to his sister, Mae, it didn't matter if it was 11 p.m. or 6 a.m., if he wanted to talk to you, he was going to call you.  In 2020, Sparky was able to visit "home" one last time and he enjoyed every minute of how family made their way to see him at the different stops.

Sparky enjoyed Traveling (especially Road Trips), going to "The Spot" (Frisch's) for the Breakfast Bar, watching Westerns and being with his Children, Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren.  Road trips were especially important to him as they gave him an opportunity to share.  His Experiences…His Lessons…His Joys...His Pains.  100 YEARS IN THE MAKING…HIS STORY!!!.

Sparky was predeceased by his wife of nearly 60 years, Jeannie "Sally" (Wilson) Sparks; his parents, Dennis and Dove; In-Laws, John and Jennie (Erkins) Wilson and Grandchildren:  Bryan, Ryan and La Toya Hayes.

Sparky leaves to cherish his memory: 2 sons:  Samuel (Mary) Wilson of Houston, TX and  André Sparks of Cincinnati; 1 Daughter: Le Andrá Sparks of Kalamazoo, MI; 10 adoring grandchildren: Gia Wilson and S. Marques (Courtney) Wilson of Houston, TX; Dominique Sparks; Jenanne Sparks; Diondre (Tommy, Jr) Wagoner;  Andre Sparks, Taja Watkins and Terrell Sparks of Cincinnati, OH; Paul Hill III of Columbus, OH and Kirsten Hill of Kalamazoo, MI; 9 cherished Great Grandchildren: Tommy Wagoner, III (Trey); Aliyah Hill; Shontel Wagoner; Treasure Wagoner; De'Vianna Canady, DeShawn O'Large, Trevor Wagoner, Jeannie Wagoner and Forever Wagoner; sister:  Vera Mae (A.J.) Rivers of Cordele, GA; sister-in-law:  Catherine Wilson and niece Cynthia DeVaughn-Smith, whom he helped to raise.

Additionally, he leaves family members who assisted him in some way:  Patricia Gwinn, John "Sonny" Lane, James Wilson, Christopher Taylor, Diana Taylor, Ernestine Jackson, Adrienne Wilson, and Terry Powell and long-time friends Annie Pair and Jack Patrick (His Twin); as well as a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.

Our mother always said that she would live to be 100 and when she did not make that, we believe that our Dad purposed his mind and heart to complete the Journey for her.  We also believe that once he had made her goal, he was just as determined to join her in peace.

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on  Thursday, March 3, 2022, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati  (45206).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am.

Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery.

Repast - 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.; VFW Hall- Elmwood, 5910 Vine St 45216

In keeping with CDC Covid19 Guidelines, we encourage those who are not fully vaccinated to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

To share a memory of Herbert or leave a special message for the  Sparks family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sparks family.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.