LTC

US ARMY

KOREA

VIETNAM

BRONZE STAR

Devoted to his family, his country and to Christ, Harry Wade "Sparkie" Sparks led a colorful, productive and charmed life. A decorated war hero, father of 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, Sparkie was loved and respected by his family and all he came in touch with. He married Lanita Mann in 1952 and they raised 3 children before Lanita's passing in 1993. God blessed Sparkie with a true angel and soul mate in Kathleen Smith, who he loved dearly and married in 1997, enjoying the last 19 years of his life together. Sparkie entered the US Army in 1951 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Heroism in combat earned him a Bronze Star, Air Medal, Medal of Heroism and Medal of Valor. Sparkie was with the 170th Helicopter Assault Unit who took the first armed helicopters into Vietnam. In the service of Christ, Sparkie traveled the world as a music evangelist, touching the lives of tens of thousands in praise of the Lord. Sparkie was known for his wry, wicked and self-deprecating sense of humor, intelligence, fearlessness and his treasured collection of cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and boats…some of which actually ran.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am, Friday, October 21, 2016 at Eastern Shore Baptist Church, 6847 Park Drive, Daphne, AL 36526. Family will receive friends at 10:00am. Committal service to follow at 1:30pm at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, AL. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Gideons International, www2.gideons.org/donate. Expressions of condolence may be offered at www.hughesfh.com. Arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home, 7951 American Way, Daphne, AL 36526. www.hughesfh.com