SPARROW Bert joined old friends at the 19th hole on Friday, September 30. Born in Anderson County to the late Elmer and Geneva Sparrow, Bert graduated from Ashland Senior High School in 1955, studied Electrical Engineering at University of Cincinnati, and joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Bert then joined IBM in Kingston, NY, beginning a 31 year career with that company which took him to Huntsville, AL, where he met his wife, Beverly. Bert was actively involved in many NASA projects during his time in Huntsville before moving with his family to Lexington in 1980. Bert became Area Manager for New Products, and then consulted with Westpac Banking Corp. in Sydney, Australia. As everywhere he went, Bert made friends, joining Lexington Country Club, Idle Hour Country Club, The Lexington Club, Bayview Country Club, and Wheeler's Breakfast Club. He also actively supported Lexington Rotary Club, University of Kentucky, United Way, and other charitable causes. Upon retiring from IBM, Bert started his own business, Sparrow System Consultants, which was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the 500 fastest growing companies. Always helping, Bert joined the Chamber of Commerce's Bluegrass Innovation Network Steering Committee and CEO Roundtable, being invited to President G.W. Bush's Small Business Summit in Washington. Another of Bert's passions was golf, which he first picked up on Parris Island, and continued to play over the next five decades, including on four continents. Bert was also a wonderful cook, feeding family and friends for many years. He will be sorely missed. Bert is survived by his wife, Beverly, and five children, Brenda Ingram (Mike), Bert Sparrow, Jr. (Leslie), Crews Johnston, III (Bratschi), Laurel Cassidy (Peter), and Melissa Mahan (Mark), along with ten grandchildren, his brother Denny (Kathy), and Aunt Irene Hupp. Visitation will be at Milward's, N. Broadway, Sunday from 4-7pm. Funeral service at Centenary United Methodist Church on Monday, 11 a.m. Pallbearers: John Carpenter, Butch Ellingsen, Ken Hixson, Woody Simpson, Bill Swinford, and Woody VanMeter. Honorary Pallbearers: Max Hertwick, Jack Howell, Denny Sparrow, Bud Tumlinson, David Tumlinson, Jimmy Tumlinson, and Andy Valenti. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or favorite charity. www.milwardfuneral.com

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Published by Lexington Herald-Leader on Oct. 2, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Bert Sparrow

Sponsored by Lexington Herald-Leader.

4 Entries

Jean-Pierre Sala

September 26, 2021

5 years already , but Bert , the Sala´s family is still remembering your very nice friendship jointly with Beverly and kids back in 1982/1985 and later.

Max and Mary Putters

September 25, 2020

Bert is greatly missed here in Petoskey, Michigan. His golfing friends think of him often, especially on warm Wednesday afternoons (men's day), but he even showed up when there was frost and snow in the air. He was a "great sport", had lots of stories to share, and a gourmet diner. Bert was aways there, smiling with his super disposition and a fun player in the Friendship Center Bridge group. There was a lot to like about Bert and so there is a lot to miss with his passing. He left a void that can never be filled. Our condolence and best wihes to Beverly and all the Sparrow family members. May God Bless.

October 25, 2016

It is with a great sadness we learnt we will never again meet Bert . With my wife Nicole , my son Fabrice and my daugther Cendrine we will always remember Bert, who was my boss in IBM during my mission in Lexington, from 1982 to 1985.
Arriving in Lexington from IBM France, Paris, with my family , we were welcomed like old friends by Bert and Berverly, our introduction to the Blue Grass wonderfull environment was greatly facilitated . Bert was a top manager and with Beverly, very nice,smily friends;we were happy to meet them again in Paris and travel with in Burgundy. Our deep condolences to Beverly and the family, we are so sad !

Jean-Pierre Sala
33 663220985
[email protected]

October 11, 2016

Our deep felt condolences to Beverly and the entire Sparrow family. Bert will be greatly missed here in Petoskey, especially by the golfers at the Petoskey Bay View Country Club and by the Tuesday and Thursday morning Friendship Center bridge group.

Bert was a true gentleman, had a great sense of humor, and was very good company at the dinning table. Whatever Bert did he did it very well. He was well liked by all.

Again, our sympathies and condolences, and may God Bless the Sparrrow family.

Max and Mary Putters, Petoskey, Mi.

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