Phillip E. Sparks

PHILLIP E. SPARKS (PAPAW PHIL), 75, of Charleston, WV, went home to be with the Lord on June 3, 2025, at the Hubbard House after a courageous 6-month battle with Glioblastoma.
Phillip was born in Yolyn, West Virginia, to Earl and Faye Sparks on December 19, 1949. As a youngster, he grew up in a coal camp. In junior high, his dad's job took the family to Grants, New Mexico. He loved telling everyone about fighting the tumbleweeds. The greatest event of his life occurred while there. At the age of 12, at Milan Baptist Church, he accepted Jesus Christ as his precious Savior. The family returned to West Virginia, where Phil graduated from Chapmanville High School, WV. He went to work for Dupont Belle Plant and retired in 2009.
Phil's greatest joy came from his love for his family and his faith in Jesus Christ. He served as a longtime deacon, Sunday school teacher, and soloist at Esta Memorial Baptist Church. He loved to travel to revivals and camp meetings with Jason and his family. He made so many friends on these trips. He loved singing and would testify every time he had the opportunity.
He loved his family. He was married to Barbara for 54 years. They enjoyed jumping in the car for day trips to explore parks, waterfalls, and lighthouses. He was so proud of Phillip, Jason, and Karla. He loved the outdoors and car times with Brock, going to church to hear Tyler preach, and lazy afternoons with Tyler and Maci. He had a special bond with his "Babygirl" Lauren. He would light up when she walked into the room. They loved to sing together and had all kinds of jokes.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Faye Sparks; his brother, Larry Sparks; and sister, Sherry Gore.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Sparks; his children, Phillip Sparks and Jason (Karla) Sparks; his grandchildren, Tyler (Maci) Hudson, Lauren Sparks, Brock Sparks; family by love, Freddy (Ashley) Berry and Riley Berry. He had numerous nieces and nephews that love him, as well as many children that called him Papaw. Phil is survived by his sister, Anna (Paul) Chambers; sister-in-law, Lynda Sparks; and brother-in-law, David Gore.
Funeral Services will be held at 12 Noon Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Esta Memorial Baptist Church, Belle, WV. with Jason Sparks and Tyler Hudson officiating. Burial will follow at Nunley Cemetery, Charleston.
A Visitation with family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Church.
We would like to thank Dr. Cohen and the care team at CAMC Cancer Center, as well as Dr. Stowe and the rest of the radiation oncology team and the staff of the Hubbard House.
Also, a special thank you to Randy Wilson, Mark Wilson, Michelle Wilson, and Dave Mollohan.
The online guest book can be accessed at www.stevensandgrass.com.
Stevens & Grass Funeral Home, Malden is in charge of arrangements.