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BORN
1936
DIED
2025
John Spargo Obituary
Born: May 11, 1936 | Died: December 13, 2025
John William Spargo, otherwise known as "Johnny Spark Plug Full of Fire", passed away at his lovely home on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, exactly where he wanted to be.
He was born May 11, 1936, near Dunfermline, IL. He spent his childhood there until he left for the Air Force. While stationed at McGhee Tyson Air Base, he caught one glimpse of The Great Smoky Mountains and a Six Mile redhead and vowed he would never leave. After serving his country, he graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical School as both an aircraft mechanic and a pilot. He worked as a mechanic at various locations and became the Service Manager at Island Home Airport for many years until he retired. When his wife Betty Spargo (the redhead) became ill, he cared for her with the stalwart dedication of a man devoted to his wife, family, and marriage. He was an unceasingly excellent father and never knew a stranger. Adept at most any task set before him, he shared his ingenuity and penchant for all things mechanical and rebuilt cars in the garage he designed and constructed with his own hands. He exhibited his versatility and inquisitiveness and surprised us all by learning to play the banjo very late in life. As a member of Sevier Heights Baptist Church, he made many close friends for whom he was extremely grateful.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Betty Poplin Spargo; his son, Rusty Spargo; and many other relatives too numerous to list here.
John is survived by his daughter, Kim Spargo (Gerald Burnette); sisters, Carol Downing and Elaine Bugos; daughter-in-law, Laura Spargo; grandson, Ryan Spargo (Leslie); numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends and neighbors. We have been left with an unmendable gap in the tapestry of our lives.
At his request, there will be no services.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Friends of the Smokies.
The cold waters of the resplendent Great Smoky Mountains will undoubtedly miss his ferocious splashdowns. We had a ball.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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