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BILLY SPARKS Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for BILLY SPARKS
Thomas Kirk
May 9, 2025
A dear friend and the bravest fighter pilot I have ever known. He is missed. Tom Kirk
William Guoan
May 9, 2020
Remember those whom we flew with that didn't return Class of 65
Thomas Kirk
May 9, 2020
Billy was the bravest and calmest pilot under extreme combat situations that I have ever known. He was a giant as a squadron member, tactical pilot and friend. He is sorely missed.
William Guoan (EWO - 17th WWS)
May 9, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
ed roulette
October 19, 2017
I met then Captain Billy Sparks at Takhli RTAFB in 1966/67....I was a jet engine mechanic and a young staff sergeant. He came to the NCO club with his crew chief and I was friends with his crew chief Cater Burt SSgt. I was on duty the day he was shot down and we all prayed for his rescue because we found out he was well into North Vietnam.....When we found out he was picked up the whole base was excited and relived. Fom the first time I met him until we meet again Lt. Col. Sparks will always be my hero......He was a man among men.
Jim Lozano
June 28, 2017
I met Bill "Sparky" Sparks at the March Air Force Base Museum. He was a guest speaker talking about the F-105 and it's role as a "Wild Weasel". I told him I was a Wild Weasel F-4 crew chief and he shook my hand and offered me a beer. Well, I don't drink alcohol but I was so honored that I accepted and had a great time talking about planes and his adventures as a Wild Weasel pilot. He was quite a character and had me cracking up a lot of the time. I'm thankful for the opportunity to meet this great warrior.
February 25, 2017
I never was fortunate enough to know Lt. Col. Sparks, but I recently read his Takhli Tales and found it fascinating. He was clearly a decent and courageous man, and a stand-out even among the very courageous men who flew the F-105. God bless you, sir: You set a very bright and high mark for all who follow in your wake.
Dick Hallion
Shalimar, FL
Peter Winterble
December 1, 2014
I was flying a desk at the Panic Palace when I first learned of Sparky's existence and suddenly realized anew why I had joined the USAF. God bless, Colonel.
Nosegunner Sparks and Grouchy Bear Lombardo
Bill Marshall
October 2, 2014
Chris Bracken
October 1, 2014
My Father, Jerry Bracken, (a “Sandy” pilot) also flew “Thuds” with Col. Sparks and always had fond memories and unforgettable stories about him. I met then Capt. Sparks at Nellis AFB as a child and never forgot his bigger than life presence. He was one of the fighter pilots I knew as a kid that really stood out. That big mustache, his booming voice, animated eyes and outgoing character stands out in my mind today some 45 years later. Col. Sparks was among some of the most memorable fighter pilots and hero's that inspired me to become a pilot myself, and have inspired me throughout my life. I was saddened to here of his passing and count it blessings that my father is still alive and well in Texas. Gods speed to you Col. Sparks. Heaven has another hero.
Salute,
Chris Bracken
[email protected] [email protected]
November 20, 2013
We learned of Sparky's death through Bobby Walker. We have fallen off the planet Earth and lost contact with everyone we love and miss in our USAF family. We are Truly saddened By his passing as we hoped to be closer to You and Bill, when you made your new home in San Antonio, Texas. Sparky was a True Warrior, Great Wild Weasel Pilot, Banjo wielding entertainer, Great storyteller and purveyor of Bad Jokes. Bless you Dell! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. The Westcott Family
September 4, 2013
An American Warrior
June 14, 2013
Sparky -- Tomorrow's the eulogy, and I know there won't be a dry eye in attendance. John -- Do well for our buddy with your words. Dell, hang in there and always remember you have been loved by a hero and a great American.
"They've got a little place,
south of the Ridge..."
---Words are only words, but it's different when they come from the heart.
Check Six and be well with the rest of our buddies up there. Bob Middleton
Jim Padgett
June 13, 2013
Billy is a true Weasel Extrordinaire and a Vietnam Yankee Air Pilot who punched out a couple of times prior to my flights with him. We will always honor his exploits and am sad to hear of his passing. He is a true patriot.
Our prayers are with Dell and family
Jim and Grace Padgett
George Wallace
June 12, 2013
Sparky was one of our greatest fighter pilots. We met at Wheelus AB in 1960 where he gave me a couple of F-100F rides. Just before he retired I was privileged to return the favor and gave him his last F-105 ride. It was a fitting finish to a legendary career. He was a patriot, a warrior, the world's greatest story teller and most of all, my friend. I will miss him.
Bette Kaminsky
June 12, 2013
I met Sparky in 1985. I was a young, green, naïve girl who was working at the Tropicana. I met and befriended Peggy who would become the sister that I never had. Along with her came her amazing family – a young, vibrant set of parents who were worlds different from my own. They had dinner parties, traveled with friends, were expert skiers, soaked in hot tubs. It was a free-wheeling, fun loving existence, and I wanted in. Happily, they included me. Their openness and generosity were beyond measure. Simply because I was a friend, I was immediately part of their loving and warm family. I was welcome at any time in their home, I was called daughter and was told repeatedly how much I was loved. I never had the benefit of growing up with a father. I had to choose my own father-figures. How fortunate I was to have the opportunity to choose Sparky. There was no better father I could have chosen.
When the time came recently to publish his memoirs, he chose me to help. For the rest of my life, I will consider that a major achievement. Reading his words, living with his stories helped bring me ever closer to this man that I respect, admire and love. What a beautiful gift, one I will forever treasure. Mille grazie, Caro Mio. With love always, your "other" daughter, Bette
LYNN GARRISON
June 11, 2013
Confusion to our enemies
Bob Lewis
June 8, 2013
Sparky and I first met in 1967 at Takhli. We were both Weasels, but in different squadrons. We returned to Nellis in late 1967, but very different circumstances. We both lived in Weasel Hollow across the street from one another, and we have been close friends ever since. World's greatest fighter pilot, warrior, and teller of stories and bad jokes. But most of all, Billy was the best friend anyone could ask for. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Kay Gangol
May 31, 2013
Love you Sparky, I can just see you and Tone-Babes and the rest of the guys up to your whateveritis in nickels. Enjoy yourselves. We really miss you. Love, K
May 30, 2013
Never at a loss for words until now. Can't see the key board for the blurry eyes. When my last t.o. time approaches, it will be with the same thrill of '67 with "Baccaruda" and "Olds" out in front. Sparky, it was an honor to ride the thunder in the same skies with you. Bless you Dell and know, too, how much you ae loved.
John Piowaty
Pamie de Jong
May 30, 2013
God Bless you Dell. I remember Dad's (Lt Col Fred de Jong/Flying Dutchman) stories and Mom's too about your friendship all the way back to Vietnam. Dad had so much respect for Sparky, and I know the three of them are sharing a scotch together now! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family now. Sending you my love.
Sharon & Kay Gangol
May 29, 2013
You rarely hear words from fighter pilots that describe the way they feel about each other. But when you can remember hearing the names Sparky and Dell for your entire life, you know the nature of their relationship is beyond friendship...it's that of family.
Rest in Peace, Sparky... and say hi to Tony when you get there!
We love you Dell and are but a call away!
May 29, 2013
Sparky was "our" fighter pilot...and our circle of friends is growing smaller. Although the adventures diminish, the memories remain. G.I.'s
gone, and now Sparky...but Middleton and Piowaty remain to tell the war stories. We became and shall remain brothers until we also meet the Angels
in the stag bar in the sky. Corny? but true. And tonight I'll drink a toast to my fallen buddy and throw the empty wine glass into the bayou.
Goodby, Sparky, and say hello to the rest of our buddies up there. BOB Middleton, fighter pilot.
Rick Bates
May 29, 2013
Billy Sparks...Fighter Pilot, warrior, hero, Weasel, River Rat, raconteur, and friend. Godspeed my Friend. pour, glug, smash. Hand salute and a nickel on the grass. Keep your mach up.
May 28, 2013
Fun times, and fond memories! Forty years worth!! And Oh How we could sing! Bonni says you were my mentor, I say you are my friend! I love ya, Sparky!! Snake Sloan
Don Creighton
May 28, 2013
I first met Dell and Sparky at Bill Scott's house in Santa Fe, N.M. for a Super Bowl CBSA Practice Reunion, Jan 1982. His incredible stories, exuberance, laughter, and most of all, his boastful, beautiful rendition of God Bless America and are memories I will never forget! Our heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Dell and their family.
Tom Arenson
May 27, 2013
Sorry to find this out, great guy! I was in the 357TFS May 1967 thru Apr. 1968 Crew Chief type ACFT. 60-0480, lots of memory's from that time period. Great Squadron!!
Billy and his beloved Weasel Thud
May 24, 2013
Billy Sparks and Bill Lyons (357th P-51 pilot)
May 24, 2013
tony cushenberry
May 23, 2013
I've known Billy since l960 at Spangdahlem, Germany. We flew 100's then
the Thud there. He was the same outspoken, in your face "SH" Fighter Pilot then as he was for the rest of his
career. "Lead, Follow or get out of the
Way" and let someone do it that knows
how. He was a lifelong friend and I will miss him greatly!
Crusher Cushenberry
May 23, 2013
I, like Sparky flew Thuds. We were never in the same squadron, but we met head on 30 miles west of Hanoi
in 1965 attacking two SAM Sites,
during which 6 Thuds were lost. Three pilots died, two were taken prisoner, and one got out that day.
Sparky went on in his heroic way to
continue take the fight against SAMs
as a famous Wild Weasel pilot. All
Thud drivers knew about Sparky.
I saw him in his wheel chair at the
reunion of the Super Sabre Society in April. When he saw me, he stood up, came to attention, and saluted me. Some one there said, there was not a dry eye in the room. Mine were
certainly not. I'll never forget that unforgettable American. Bill Hosmer
Wanda Sandidge
May 22, 2013
Remembering the Sparks family at this time with thoughts and prayers.
L.D. Johnston
May 22, 2013
Dearest Dell and Family,
There are absolutely no words that could capture what you meant to Sherri & me, the Command Barstoolers, and the "Profession of Arms." We'll all so miss him...but we'll forever remember him, his "stories," and his unforgettable laugh.
Steve "Bashful" Rapp
May 22, 2013
Sparky let us "young" guys circa 80's & 90's understand the meaning of what a fighter pilot should be when we thought being a F-15 or F-16 was Sierra Hotel! Sparky thanks for the mentorship from a younger generation who were blessed with your story telling during many occassions at the Home of the Fighter Pilot...Nellis AFB!
Thoughts and Prayers...Steve "Bashful" Rapp
Michael Cochran
May 21, 2013
We've lost a great warrior and great friend. He will be sorely missed by all. With great respect. Michael Cochran
Harry J. Walker
May 21, 2013
I got to meet "Capt. Billy" at my fathers high school reunion. It was a great night and how my Pop lit up when "Capt. Billy" told his high school classmates how he was "plucked" from Viet Nam by Pop and his crew. (Pop's PJs and Crew Chief were there also that night. It was the best night for Pop.)
My father first met "Capt. Billy" coming up into his helicopter from the jungle floor of Viet Nam with some PJs. When Pop showed me a picture of "Capt. Billy", I thought he rescued "Jerry Colona" What a great mustache!
"Sparky" will be so missed in this family...God Bless.
Austin Thomas, Jr
May 21, 2013
Sparky was my hero, instructor and friend. A warrior's warrior! The USAF is more capable because of him. The Weasels, Aceval-Aimval to mention just two. The world will be a lesser place without him! God Speed Sparky & God Bless Del and your family.
Pepper Thomas
Jim Doggette
May 21, 2013
Billy was a one of a kind, larger than life fighter pilot. He will be missed by every fighter pilot. Our prayers for Dell and family.
May 20, 2013
"The world is a lessor place....."
Truly one of a kind, Sparky you and your great humor are missed already, as we grieve your loss.
God grant comfort to family and friends.
Hope to see ya on the other side.
D-Bell
Dave smith
May 20, 2013
Billy and Dell, your gracious friendship definitely made life better for Jackie and I on our assignment to Nellis and the 414th-I thank you for the wonderful Thanksgivings together and Starboard tack runs. Sparky, God's fighter pilot choir has just been upgraded to A+-I will listen and look up and hope to hear the "balls of o'Leary" coming down from heaven. I also do hope that "whisky flows from telephone poles" as in the song. You will be missed my friend!!
Tom "Waldo" King
May 20, 2013
First learned of this fighter pilot legend in pilot training in 1967. Took me nine years until I was introduced to him by his Thud wingman, Marty Case. What an absolute honor it is to have had our, and Dell's, friendship grow over the last 37 years! Patriot, warrior, fighter pilot's fighter pilot, friend of so many, devoted father, grandfather and husband as well as consummate consumer of single malt scotch, singer of songs and joke teller extraordanaire, our father in heaven surely broke the mold with Sparky!!!! You are missed my friend and will always be remembered (Especially everytime I hear or sing, one of your favorites, "God Bless America")!!! Bless you, Dell, Reid and Piglet!!!!
May 20, 2013
Sparky was one of the great fighter pilots. He taught many of us brand new fighter pilots right out of ATC what being a fighter pilot was.
David B Waldrop
Thud Driver
Leslie Kohlman
May 20, 2013
Aunt Dell, Peggy, and Reid, I am so sorry for your loss. I have all been blessed to have known such a great guy-such a fine example of love and joy. My prayers are with you all.
No caption necessary - says it all!
Bill Marshall
May 20, 2013
Will miss you Sparky - you blessed my lif with a Best Friend much later in life than most of us can acquire something so important.. Cat and I poured two fingers of 18 yr Macallan and toasted your last High Flight. Viya con Dios my friend
JWilly
Vinnie Cooper
May 20, 2013
Rest in Peace, sir
Del Smith
May 19, 2013
The mold was discarded after you came along Sparky. You were one of a kind,
with a smile that seemed perpetual. We have already missed you at the Pensacola reunion. My best to your family.
Ralph Waddell
May 19, 2013
In 1968, Billy was one of my instructors in Weasel School at Nellis. I found him to be an excellent and very knowledgeable pilot. I valued that association. Rest in peace.
Henry Minervini
May 19, 2013
My best memory of my uncle Bill was spending an afternoon with him at an air show near to where he lived in Las Vegas. Although the particulars of the day are gone from memory, I remember his great wealth of knowledge on everything there and how eager he was to share all of it with me. It was a fantastic time with such a great man. I'll miss Sparky a lot.
Robert Coram
May 19, 2013
Some 15 years ago when I was researching John Boyd's biography I spent an afternoon with Bill Sparks at his home in Las Vegas. His ailing father was there and what I remember most about that afternoon was how kind and solicitous Bill was to his dad. Bill was a genuinely good man. He was also one of the funniest people I ever met. I am honored to have known him, however briefly.
May 19, 2013
Billy Sparks in combat always reminded me of the consumate Spartan Warrior who never asked how many the enemy were, only where they were. In non combat roles he was the perfect reflection of Ford Smart's fighter pilot so perfectly described in his iconic 'What is a fighter Pilot". I miss you Billy Sparks - see you soon.
John Morrissey
Lee's Summit, MO
Sparky at Dayton
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
Relaxing after work with the family
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
Sparky playing banjo with Reid on guitar
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
Sparky with a new baby daughter
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
Sparky the Banjo Picker
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
Sparky the dad
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
Big Spring TX with Reid on his Scooter
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
Sparky and Dell at a Luau
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
Sparky's wedding day
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
Sparky leading the ski pack
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
May 19, 2013
God's speed Billy. Men like you will be missed.
Tom Slatterly
Sparky and friends
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
Sparky and Ralph
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
with Reid's Family
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
with Bette
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
Four Generations of Reids
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
Sparky and his dad
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
Sparky's bride Dell
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
Sparky in Spain, 1961
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
Sparky's Great Grandparents
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
Sparky the Grandpa
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
May 19, 2013
Billy, you were my mentor, not only preparing me to be a Weasel, but when you took me down that first run at Steamboat in a storm, and when you
took me for a bean salad at Ragnars. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Robin Olds
May 19, 2013
Fun at Aspenosium
May 19, 2013
Sparky, his son and grandson
May 19, 2013
Sparks Family Skiing, 1974
May 19, 2013
Sparky's hang glider flight with Reid, 1981
May 19, 2013
Roger & Linda Richardson
May 19, 2013
The Richardson Family in Hardyville, KY is remembering all the Sparks Family this morning in prayers.
Tom Edge
May 19, 2013
There is a Nickel on the grass for my 357th Squadron mate and friend.
Jim LaChance
May 19, 2013
Sparky, Sorry I can not make it to Vegus, You are one of the guys I will remember until I leave. I remember when they brought you back from up North to Tahkli, you were yourself - full of hell, but you did not have a phony or a cowardly bone in your body, and that is why you were loved by every real fighter pilot that was lucky enough to know you. Jim LaChance (Big Thunder) 333rd TFS 355 TAC FTR WING TAHKLI 67/68 F 105 D'S. 100 NORTH 22 SOUTH.
Refueling
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
100 Missions Party
Reid Sparks
May 19, 2013
barb snase
May 19, 2013
You will be sorely missed Robin olds said that you would bravest man he know Paul said you were one of the best of the best the best to me I hnow you and DellI were the best to me would never have made it back to Tonopah after Paul's death if you have not gone
Gone with me. PAul many more are waiting for you to join them in flight and song GODSPEED
May 18, 2013
Sparky! Gentleman, Warrior, Hero! Rest in Peace Dear Friend - GAR & Becky Rose
Terry Stine
May 18, 2013
Sparky you were a special person, a great fighter pilot and a magnificent human being. Hand Salute and may God Bless You and your family.
Joe Montana
May 18, 2013
I met Sparky at some recent 355th reunions. It was a joy to listen to his stories and to chat with him. It is an honor to have known him as a man and a great fighter pilot. Sparky is a person I can never forget.
Rusty Olman
May 18, 2013
My sincere condolences - Sparky was one neat guy...I'm sure that he and Andy are having one big reunion right now. God speed.
M.J. McAvoy
May 18, 2013
So glad we got to meet Sparky at the 355th reunion last October.
Jim Gagnon
May 18, 2013
Sparkie was a warrior and a man who spoke the absolute truth to the higher ups that had never flown a mile in his shoes. My condolences go out to Dell and all of their family.
Roger Prather
May 18, 2013
"...and a tune on a Spanish guitar...." Thanks, Sparky.
Dick Guild
May 18, 2013
A hand salute and a Nickel on the Grass to a grand air warrior with sympathy for Dell and family.
May 18, 2013
To the Sparks Family,
My sincere sympathy in the passing of Mr. Sparks. When I was in elementary school, Peggy was one of my best friend's. I remember spending time with the Sparks family and have such fond memories.
LaDeana Gamble
Henderson, Nevada
Russel O'Neal
May 17, 2013
I had the honor of first meeting Sparky late in the afternoon on 5 Nov 1967, a wee bit North of the Red River when I hoisted him off the North Vietnam jungle floor into Jolly Green 37. I'll never forget that huge grin looking up at me as he road that forest penatrator up in the chopper and into my arms. I'll see you on the other side my friend.
Russel O'Neal
Jolly37C
BOB SPIELMAN
May 17, 2013
Sparky made me feel proud to be a THUD pilot.
Carl Juszczak
May 17, 2013
Sparky was 1 of a kind he always had a kind word for the ground folks, he will be missed by all. May god bless the Sparks family and our reunions won't be the same.
George Peacock
May 17, 2013
We were truly blessed to have known, flown with and enjoyed time with this great warrior. God speed Sparky
Gerald Miller
May 17, 2013
355th Takhli Reunions will never be the same without Sparky there to tell his stories and to hear the sound of his laughter, He is special to all of us that served at Takhli in 67 and he will never be forgotten.
Neely Johnson
May 17, 2013
Sparky taught me to go to war.. and live. "Shark,disregard the launch lite, Baraccuda take it down" still makes my hair stand up. My friend and mentor for 45 years. Give Carlo a hug for me my brother.
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