Talmadge John Sparks

T.J. Sparks, age 96 of Johnson City, Tennessee passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026 at Johnson City Medical Center. He was born on August 14, 1929 in Hawkins County, Tennessee to the late Talmadge and Gladys Sparks.

He was a proud Navy Veteran. T.J. was a member of Pinecrest Baptist Church, where he was a Sunday School teacher for many decades. He enjoyed spending his time driving cars for multiple dealerships in northeast Tennessee. T.J. was a man of many talents and careers, starting out as a Millwright in South Carolina, a milkman for Pet Dairy, and the U.S. Post Office. T.J. will be remembered for his easy going spirit, and being a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 70 years, Jo Ann Sparks, daughter, Vickie (Rick) Shearer; grandchildren, Matthew and Jacob Shearer, and Hannah (Travis) Riddle; great-grandchildren, Mason, Tanner, and John Tal Riddle, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of unit 4500 for their compassionate care during T.J.'s time there.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Pinecrest Baptist Church (2129 Old Lewis Rd. Johnson City, TN 37601)

The family will receive friends from 12:00pm until time of the funeral at 1:00pm at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. A graveside service will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park at 2:00pm all on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is serving the Sparks family. (423) 282-1521