Rev. Charles E. Sparks

Rev. Charles E. Sparks obituary, Winston Salem, NC

Rev. Charles E. Sparks

Charles Sparks Obituary

Published by Winston-Salem Journal from Nov. 14 to Nov. 17, 2012.
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.

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Sign Charles Sparks's Guest Book

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July 4, 2013

Charles Chambers posted to the memorial.

December 15, 2012

Cheryle Clodfelter posted to the memorial.

December 13, 2012

Someone posted to the memorial.

Charles Chambers

July 4, 2013

Charlie made St.James Methodist come alive for us Youth. I will never forget him testing the new chapel organ with bravado! Living on the opposite corner of New Hope & James was quite educational from church construction to putting Santa together for Mandy & Jane.
Lots of great memories. Love to hear from any of his family. Call 919-556-7191. God Bless You Charlie...You made a Difference !

Cheryle Clodfelter

December 15, 2012

I always looked forward when The Sparks would come into Cvs on Peters Creek Pkwy.'s doors. Mr. Sparks always had words of kindness, and I always looked forward to his jokes. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, and Fran. God bless you.

December 13, 2012

I had the honor of meeting Charlie through a dental cleaning appointment nineteen years ago. His beautiful lighted soul I could recognize immediately. He told me more jokes than I could ever remember (but he did). To my knowledge, a more graceful Man of God I have never met. When I met my husband-to-be, he was the first person that I thought of for our ceremony. God bless you all who love him so dearly, as I do. I will rejoice to one day reunite with him!

Jill Corbitt

November 17, 2012

Uncle Charlie was a kind gentle man and will be missed.

Rebecca McAndrew

November 17, 2012

I was lucky to have met Charlie several years ago when you were visiting Raleigh. I am so happy that I can say, yes I have dined with Charlie Sparks and what a wonderful man he was! He will be missed by many. Love and prayers to you Fran, Valerie, Bill and the entire family.

November 17, 2012

Our hearts and thoughts are with you.
Robert and Kerry Kelly (Clearwater, FL)

Debbie Leach

November 16, 2012

A very sad nite my friends and family!! My stepdad Charles Sparks just left us on this earth. He is now with his Maker, no more suffering!... Charlie was worried about leaving Mom and his home of love and memories.. We will take care of Mom and do anything she needs. I love you, Charlie! You were a great Man!!

Syd & Ann Cuningham

November 16, 2012

How could we ever begin to write words that would truely ever come close to stating how much Charlie meant to us?! I could always count on feeling uplifted after seeing and talking with him ---- He had multiple God-given talents and certainly made the most of all of them. When it came to preaching and getting something out of sermons, no one could match his delivery and ability to keep your attention --- He was also the best I've ever witnessed with the Time with Children messages --- Loved the little tricks he would come up with each Sunday ---- He was a great, humble man with a unique ability to relate to all and command respect from everyone ---- Thank God for giving us all the experiences we shared with him ---

Syd and Ann Cuningham

Ed And Betty Collins

November 16, 2012

Its hard to put Charlie on paper because he was so much to so many.His love of Fran and family and friends was very much alive. He never ceased to show joy when greeting his church family or senior meeting.Last Sunday night when we were counting our Blessings, we came up one Blessing short.

Butch & Mary Miller

November 15, 2012

Our thoughts are with you Fran, Bill & Valerie, and all of the other family members. Heaven will definitely be a sweeter place with Charlie there, as was this world. Our love and our prayers are with you.

Lora and Ricky Goins

November 15, 2012

Fran, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We loved having Charles at Elm Grove. He was always should a joy to hear preach. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow and give you strength in the coming days.

Terri Tutterow

November 15, 2012

Charlie & Fran were very "Special" to the Tutterow family, during Hattie's last days as well as J.E's. He brought so much comfort to J.E. after Hattie's passing. He married our youngest daughter at Hanes church and our family will always remember how much he cared for us & how his love for the Lord was always such an inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his loved ones left behind. Celebrate his life and his glorious arrival in Heaven!

Deborah Pevler

November 15, 2012

Charlie's influence will always be a part of me. My love and condolences to Holly, Heather and Fran.

November 15, 2012

Charlie, you will be missed. I will always remember your love for flowers, and the pride you took in your beautiful yard. Thanks for sharing your humor with us at the beach. You will be missed. Hope to see you soon Fran; you and the famimily are in everyone's prayers.

Jeannie Giles Spring

November 15, 2012

I was so sad to hear of Charlie's passing. I have known him since I was a seven year old child, when he was my pastor at St. James. He walked into the life of my family when he so lovingly ministered to us during the death of my teenaged brother. He was, in the next few years, in and out of our home often, as my mother was the Church secretary. I will never forget Charlie. He was a most special man—an unforgettable character. He had such an important impact on my life, spiritually. I will always remember his passionate and challenging sermons. I will also always remember his sense of humor; I can see and hear his laughter now.
I was able to see Charlie again three years ago, when my brother, sister-in-law and I visited with he and Fran in their home. I am so thankful for that. I was so impressed with the fact, that, at 83 years old, he continued to read spiritual books, and was seeking to grow in his relationship with the Lord. What a blessing it was to see him again!

I will never forget Charlie, and the man he was. I have always said that Charlie had the right last name, because he was always a “spark” in the lives of everyone who knew him. Now, he is with the Lord he loves so much. We love you, Charlie, and we'll see you again.

November 14, 2012

Charlie will certainly be missed, a true friend and person. May peace be with you Fran and family. Love from both of us. Rex & Joann

Beverly Glass

November 14, 2012

I am so sad to hear of Charles passing, he was not only a dear man but a dear friend. He will be missed.

Beverly & Trey McKenzie

Randy & Linda DePew

November 14, 2012

Go get your wings Charlie. You have indeed earned them. Hugs and prayers to Fran.

Jeff Harvey

November 14, 2012

A man who impacted the lives of many, encouraged the souls of most, and touched all whom he encountered. I can hear Charlie's laughter among the saints....

Lillian Rogers

November 14, 2012

May you all have the peace of knowing, through faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, you will see your beloved Charlie again one day. May the love you all shared with him live on in your hearts until then! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lil and Mark

Woody Giles

November 14, 2012

Fran, Mandy, Jane, I am so sorry to heard of Charlie's passing. If there is anything Charity and I can do please let us know. As you know Charlie was my pastor at St. James,and, I am proud to say he married Charity and I on the beach (Ocean Ils) in 2008. He indeed was an extra special man. I shall always have fond memories of him. He inspired the best in zoo many of us.. Woody Giles 919-847-4242.

Ashley Abbott

November 14, 2012

On this Veteran's Day we have lost a great man. He was a veteran, a minister, and an all around great guy. I'm proud to be able to call him my grandfather. Charlie Sparks you were a man that everyone can look up to. You'll be missed.

Fred D. Cat

The Dixon Family

November 14, 2012

Charlie & our dad, William H. (Bill) Dixon, Jr., were childhood friends in Greensboro NC. Dad was born 5/08/1926 & Charlie was born 5/10/1926. They served together in WWII as Merchant Marine liberty ship radio operators. Dad died this year 1/08/2012 Epiphany Sunday at the Durham VA, and his funeral was held on 1/12/2012 (28th AA birthday). The Lord answered our prayer and kept Charlie around to be the minister at our father's funeral, and then called Charlie, this same year 2012, on Veteran's Day.
God's perfect timing. Rest in peace, Edgar & Billy. We love you and miss you until we are all together again. Henry & Debbie Dixon & Fred D. Cat

Fred D. Cat

The Dixon Family

November 14, 2012

Johanna Cates

November 14, 2012

Fran and family,

You are all in our prayers. we loved hearing Charlie preach at EGUMC. I personally loved picking with him about Duke and UNC. His strong faith and boundless humor will be missed. May the lord keep you all in his merciful, comforting, loving arms today and the weeks and months ahead.

Johanna and John Matthew Cates and Sue Cates

Sue Burkhart

November 14, 2012

Words cannot express what it feels like losing someone that you truly, dearly love. I made a strong, instantaneous connection with this man 13 years ago. He walked with me through every joy and tragedy that life dealt during that time. Charlie was one of the lights of my life that will always shine in my memory and heart. He was my father, my teacher, my confidant, my friend and married to the most amazing, loving woman on Earth who I also love dearly. Rest in peace Charlie and put in a good word for me please. I know tha you took the straight flight to where I can only hope to be one day. I love you!

Sheila & Pharmacy Staff At CVS Store 3574

November 14, 2012

Charles was a great Inspirational Blessing in our lifes. We will miss him. Praying God will bless, strengthen and comfort the entire Family in His healing arms. In Jesus Name.

Pharmacy Staff AT CVS Store 3574

November 14, 2012

Charles was a wonderful Inspirational Blessing in our lives. We thank God for allowing him to be a part of our lives. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers are with the family. Praying God bless, strengthen and comfort the entire family in their time of sorrow. In Jesus Name.

Holly Sparks

November 14, 2012

To My Dad, your girls will forever carry the light that shone so brightly within you. Your strength and charismatic way will always be bigger than life; as is our love for you. You are missed more than words can say. I long for the day to see you again. With All My Love, Holly

Cathy Gardner

November 13, 2012

So Sorry for your loss. Prayers for Peace for all of you.

J.Dwight and Carol L. Cartner

November 13, 2012

Our Love and Prayers to all involved. We will miss Charlie's wisdom ,humor,and friendship. He is now pain free and enjoying the pleasantries of heaven forevermore.

Marty Leach

November 13, 2012

In Memory of a good friend lost. Bye Charlie. I love you and will remember you fondly.

Les Abbott

November 13, 2012

On this veteran's day we have lost a great man. Charles Sparks was indeed a war veteran, and we should honor him (and others) today, but he was so many other great things. A graduate of Duke University divinity school, a Methodist minister who started multiple churches and uplifted countless congregations, a man who always had a new joke to tell you, a man who took pride in his work, a man who could find the greatest joy in just fishing in the water way as the sun set, a friend, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and even a great grandfather. I am glad to have called him a grandfather, and I doubt you could find another man with such wisdom, courage, humility and love. May 10, 1926 - Nov 11, 2012. Certainly a life well lived.

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July 4, 2013

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December 15, 2012

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December 13, 2012

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