Steven Sparkes

Family-Placed Death Notice

SPARKES, Steven STEVEN JAMES SPARKES Steven James Sparkes, age 75, of Greenville, GA passed away on June 18, 2012 from heart failure after a three-month battle with complications from a gall bladder infection and pancreatitis. Steve was born in Columbus, Ohio and served in the Air Force in communications from 1956-1959. In 1972 he earned a Bachelor Degree in Physics from Drexel University. He retired from E.I. DuPont Co. and from Wilmington Trust both in Wilmington, Delaware. As a lifetime member of US Tennis Association, he enjoyed playing tennis at Piedmont Park Tennis Center and at Bitsy Grant Tennis Center. He could be found nearly every Friday night dancing at Johnny's Hideaway and loved having breakfast at Waffle House. He is survived by his wife, Diane Schultheiss of 31 years, his sister, Lisa Spera and his children and their spouses: Betsy Sparkes (Tom) Hickey of Chicago, Eric Sparkes (Liz) of Woodstock, Lupita Townsend of Miami, Stephanie Sparkes-Schultheiss (David) Benson of Rapid City SD, and Kiel Schultheiss of Statesboro; grandchildren Shelly Hickey, Tricia Hickey, Colleen Hickey, Katie Hickey, Alley Hickey, Tommy Hickey, Danny Sparkes, Noah Benson, Isaac Benson and great grandchild Carly Hickey. Private services will be held at the Georgia Military Cemetery in Canton GA. Condolences can be sent to the family at P.O. Box 550 Greenville, GA 30222. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to the United Methodist Children's Home at 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030.