of Marianna, AR
September 23, 1936 - January 17, 2017
Donald Joe Sparks,80, died January 17, 2017, at home surrounded by his family. Mr. Sparks was born on September 23, 1936, to the late Claud ''CT'' and Dorthy Gwathney Sparks in Marianna. He received his education in Marianna and graduated in 1956 from TA Futrell High School. He attended Arkansas State Teachers' College where he was a member of the Phi Lambda Chi Fraternity. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason.
Don is best described as a simple man. He appreciated the simple things in life- his wife, his family, being outdoors, and working the land.
Don married his beloved JoJo Farrar Sparks on July 17, 1958. Together they shared 58 years of marriage and raised 2 sons and a daughter. He loved his children, cherished his grandchildren, and was smitten with his great-grandchildren.
Mr. Sparks was the owner and operator of Sparks construction, his land clearing business. He was responsible for clearing much of valuable farm acreage along the Mississippi River Delta. He also farmed as part of the Sparks Brothers' Farm and on other farms in the area. As his farming days came to a close, Mr. Sparks worked for Forest City Grocery Company from which he retired in 2009. When he wasn't outdoors working, Don enjoyed hunting and fishing with his father and children. He was also an avid reader. He would spend hours at the kitchen table pouring over a good book. He appreciated good movies too, especially if they were westerns. He always liked watching sports and cheering on the Razorbacks from his recliner. During the later years, he and JoJo took great pleasure in gardening and piddling in the yard together. Mr. Sparks is survived by his loving and devoted wife, JoJo; his sons, Donald ''Sparky'' (Melissa) Sparks of Birmingham, AL and Russ (Laura) Sparks of White Hall, AR; his daughter, Penne (Roger) May of Brickeys, AR; his grandsons, Steven (Morgan) Sparks of Birmingham, AL and Turner Sparks of White Hall, AR; and his granddaughters, Kerbe May (Nathan) Scammerhorn of Marion, AR, Raleigh May Taylor of Hughes, AR, Morgan Sparks of Birmingham, AL, and Leighton Sparks of White Hall, AR; his great-grandchildren, Davis Taylor, Mayleigh and Klein Scammerhorn, and Charlie Beth Sparks; his loyal companion, Cooper; and the ''Boss's dedicated nurse, ''C.''
Arrangements for visitation and graveside services are pending at this time. Please visit wwwrollerfuneralhomes.com/Marianna for more information.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept.142, Memphis,TN 38148-0142, www.stjude.org, or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, wwwcancer.org.
My condolences to you and your family. The 54 Chevy that Donald Joe owned before he switched to the Packard was the inspiration for my "loud" 54 Chevy.
Your distant friend
Don McGee
Jo Jo, Charles and I extend our sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear husband. You will be in our prayers.
Charles and Sue Moore