Charles David Sparks

Charles David Sparks, 69, of Bandy, VA was taken by God to his heavenly home on February 3, 2013. He was born February 2, 1944 to Nell K. Sparks of Owosso, MI and the late Ed Sparks. He was raised in Jewell Ridge, VA. Charles attended Richlands High School and Southwest Virginia Community College. He spent 3 years in the U.S. Army, at which time he proudly served his country during the Cuban Crisis. After being honorably discharged, he returned home and began working for Jewell Ridge Coal Corporation and was a proud member of the UMWA Local Union 7327. Charles retired from Pittston Coal after 34 years of service. He was a man of unique personality who would do anything for those he cared about. He touched the lives of many and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He has been reunited with loved ones who proceed him in death; father, Ed Sparks; brother, George Sparks; special friends Lillian Kinder and Richard Bentley; and his loving wife of 39 years, Mary Martha Gibson Sparks. Those left to carry on his memory are: His mother, Nell K. Sparks of Owosso, MI; Three daughters: Melinda Sparks of Bandy, VA, Lareda Compton and husband Todd of Bluefield, VA Martha Sparks Strouth and husband Brad of Falls Mills, VA Four grandchildren, Kelle Beavers, Brent Beavers, Jacob Compton, and Raegan Strouth Sister, Dolly Johnson and husband Jim of Owosso, MI Brother, John Sparks and wife Barbara of Daytona, FL Best friend and Fiancé, Peggy Ramsey of Kingsport, TN. Also to carry on his memory is special sons who he loved as his own, Sam Bentley, Mike Owens, and Bob Owens and numerous extended families. Funeral services for Charles David Sparks will be held on Friday, February 8, 2013 at 11:00am at Hurst-Scott Funeral Home with the Rev. Roy Meadows officiating. Interment will follow at Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery in Richlands, VA. Pall bears will be Brent Beavers, Todd Compton, Sam Bentley, Brad Strouth, Mike Owens, Bob Owens, Dave Kinder, John Edward Sparks. Honorary Pallbearers are Jacob Compton, Donnie Beavers, Tommy Honaker, John Bandy Sparks, Boyd Sparks, Frank Deskins and Bonnie Cook. Friends will be received from 6-9 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, VA. Members of VFW #9640 Casey-Shortt Post will conduct military graveside rites. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia is in charge of the arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Charles David Sparks

February 2, 1944 - February 3, 2013