Gary Sparks,

Mr. Gary Ryan Sparks, Sr., age 59, of the Reynolds Ridge section of Bandy, Virginia. passed away Saturday, January 08, 2011 at his home following a lengthy illness. He was born August 15, 1951 at Richlands, VA and was a son of the late James Rufus and Nola Marie Wright Sparks. Mr. Sparks was a retired / disabled United States Army Veteran, with over twenty years service; retiring as a Sergeant First Class. While serving our Country, he was awarded the Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Overseas Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Expert Badge (Rifle), and the Meritorious Service Medal. Mr. Sparks served overseas in Korea and in Germany. Upon retiring from the Army, Mr. Sparks worked for many years as a mechanic with J.D. Hollingsworth on Wheels in South Carolina. When able, he enjoyed baseball, camping and hunting. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Jessie James Sparks. Survivors include: One daughter, Jessica Sharon Sparks of Greenville, SC Two sons, Gary Sparks, Jr. of West Virginia, and Specialist Tim Richard Sparks, serving in the Army at Fort Riley, KS One sister, Janie Salyers and husband, Chuck of Cedar Bluff, VA Two brothers, Darrell Wayne Sparks and wife, Donna and Giles Emmitt Plumley and wife, Janie, all of Richlands, VA Five grandchildren Special friends, Benny Henkel and Brandon Sparks Special caregivers, Wanda Ogle and her son, Everett Several nieces, nephews, other family members and friends The family will receive friends at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home Chapel in Richlands, VA from 6 – 8 p.m. Monday, January 10, 2011, where a memorial service will be conducted at 8:00 p.m. with the Rev. Mike Ryan officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by members of the Casey Short VFW Post # 9640 in Richlands, VA. In honoring Mr. Sparks wishes, his body will be cremated. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Gary Sparks,

August 15, 1951 - January 8, 2011