William Sparhawk

William Francis Sparhawk- "Billy," "The Hawk," "Billy Big Ten," "The Grizz." Bill held many titles throughout his life, but the ones he loved most were Pop-Pop and Pops. He was a father to three children-Ben, Bonnie, and Bart-a grandfather to Blake, Loralei, Charlee, and Monroe, and a father figure to the many children he coached in Greentown.

They say life is short, but that isn't really true. Life is the longest thing any of us will do on this planet.

It's not the length, but the speed of life that blinds us. The real measure of one's life is the breadth of it, and in Bill's 71 years, he carved a wide path and touched many lives.

Born on January 17th, 1954, Bill was one of five children of Florence and Richard Sparhawk.

He spent his youth fighting with his brothers Tommy, Dick, and Jon, and preparing his sister Mary so that she could withstand the nuns at St. Joseph.

Growing to 6'4", Bill was a menace on the football field for the St. V Fighting Irish. The Indiana Hoosiers took notice and offered him a scholarship, where he was a three-year letterman. He met Brenda Wilson, and they were married in 1974.

After graduation, Bill and Brenda spent time in Scottsburg, Indiana, until moving to Greentown in 1977, where he would spend the next 48 years as a fixture of State Street.

Thanks to his height and width, Bill was seen as an imposing figure, but to those who knew him, he was always quick with a laugh and a smile.

One summer evening at Lake O'Pines, he performed a rendition of "Oklahoma!" as he walked into a cornfield. It drew applause from our surrounding fellow campers.

The man had an infectious charm that he passed on to his daughter and youngest son.

In 2003, Bill had his first date with Karen Whipkey at Bennigan's. It was a memorable first date that led to many laughs and cherished memories, culminating in their wedding in 2010.

Together, they spoiled the grandkids with zoo trips and adventures to Hocking Hills.

He was a lifelong fan of the "Sorry Ass Cleveland Browns", as he called them, and a die-hard supporter of the Indiana Hoosiers.

His passing leaves a sizable hole that will be hard to fill. His quick wit, dad jokes, and thoughtful insight will be missed by his family and all who knew him. His grandchildren will miss the weekly visits-and the peanut butter M&M's or Oreos he always handed out.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Richard Sparhawk, and his brothers Dick, Jon, and Tommy. He is survived by his wife, Karen (Whipkey), and his children, Ben (Melinda) Sparhawk, Bonnie (Nazmi Anik) Sparhawk, and Bart (Becky) Sparhawk.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Kim Tam Park at Melanie Springs, 2881 Canton Rd, Uniontown, OH 44685 on September 20th from 12:00 - 7:00 pm.