Rev. Charles E. Sparks

SPARKS WINSTON-SALEM Rev. Charles E. Sparks 1926 - 2012 Rev. Charles E. Sparks, 86 years old, of Winston-Salem died on November 11, 2012 at his residence. Rev. Sparks was born 1926 in Durham, NC to Edgar Lytle and Bessie Jane Swaim Sparks. The Rev. Sparks has served as a minister for thirty-three years in the United Methodist Church in the North Carolina Conference. Some of his pastorates included St. James, Mt. Zion, and Holland's of Raleigh, NC. He also served Whiteville, Whiteville, NC, Wesley Memorial in Wilmington, NC, St. Matthew's, and St. Andrews of Fayetteville, NC. Upon retirement he moved to Winston-Salem, taking up residence at his grandfather's home. During his retirement he ministered to several churches, part time, in the Winston-Salem area as well as teaching Mathematics at Forsyth Technical School. He also served in the South Pacific during World War II and sailed with the U.S. Maritime Service for four years implementing the Marshall Lend Lease program as a communications officer aboard various ships. Upon completing his degree in Mathematics from the High Point College, he taught High School Mathematics and Science for one year and then served with the U.S. Army in the latter part of the Korean Conflict. Upon returning from his tour of duty he attended and graduated from Duke University. He enjoyed boating, ham radio, chess, yardwork with his wife Fran, and various projects around the house. Most of all, he enjoyed his ministry. Rev. Sparks is predeceased by his mother and father; and sister, Norma Jean Steward of Salisbury, NC. He is survived by his loving and caring wife, Fran Thomas Sparks; four daughters, Amanda LeCates Sano and husband, Anthony, of Orlando, Florida, Jane Marie Kelly and husband, John, of Deland, Florida, Ashley Holland Evans and husband, Jeremy, of Kernersville, NC, Heather Paige Brevda and husband, Scott, of Greensboro, NC; two stepdaughters, Valerie Gayle Morgan and husband, William, of Banner Elk, NC, and Deborah Frances Leach and husband, Martin, of Orrum, NC; seven grandchildren, Megan, Amara, Kai, Bella, Leila, Leslie, Ashley, and Michael. A memorial service will be November 18, 2012, 3:00 p.m., at Hanes United Methodist Church with Dr. William Randolph and Rev. Wes McCleod officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hanes United Methodist Church, 402 Harvey Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Rev. Sparks, as of November 11, 2012 has transferred his membership from the church militant to the church triumphant. God speed Charlie. Online condolences to www.frankvoglerandsons.com


This obituary was originally published in the Winston-Salem Journal.