John "Chick" Sparks

Graveside service for John "Chick" Sparks, 77, of Nacogdoches will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at Bethel Cemetery with Shak Arrington officiating.  There will be a gathering of family and friends at Bethel Cemetery beginning at 9:30am prior to the graveside.

John Richard “Chick” Sparks, aged 77, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 1, 2021.

Chick was born August 8, 1944 in Nacogdoches County, TX to John Thomas Sparks and Bertie Polk Sparks. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy Sparks, and brothers Eugene Sparks, Harold Sparks, Jerry Sparks, and Sherrill Sparks. He graduated from Garrison High School (Class of 1963). Chick married his high school sweetheart Dorothy Lee Vaughn on December 25, 1965 and celebrated 55 years together.

Chick and Dorothy moved to Madisonville, Texas after marrying where he continued working as a Tom’s Company distributor.  They moved back to Nacogdoches where he worked with his father-in-law, Finis Vaughn, equipping chicken houses for Big Dutchman. In 1969 he and Dorothy entered the poultry business, and they worked their poultry farm for 51 years. Chick also worked for Appleby Water Supply from 1975 to 2017.

Chick enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He was a member of Appleby Church of Christ where he was a song leader for many years. He loved to sing, and he loved Gospel, Bluegrass, and old Country Music. He supported his grandchildren in their numerous extracurricular activities. He loved to watch the old western movies. He never met a stranger and always had a BIG smile, handshake, or hug for you.    

His motto: “Put some duct tape on it.”

Chick is survived by his daughter, Daphne Stanaland and husband, Bobby of Nacogdoches, TX; daughter, Missy Sheldon and husband, Larry of Glassboro, NJ; son, John Sparks Jr. and wife, Rachelle of Garrison, TX; grandchildren: Scott Robertson and  wife, Jennifer of Marshall, TX; Seth Robertson of Dallas, TX; Shelby Kurklin and husband, Brian of Oklahoma City, OK; Susan Taylor and husband, Bradley of Henderson, TX; Kaelyn Taylor and husband, Lane of Nacogdoches, TX; Allie Sparks of Dallas, TX; Emily Sparks of Nacogdoches, TX; Riley Sparks of Garrison, TX; Lexi Whitworth and husband, Keaton of Groveton, TX; Brayden Frankens and fiancée, Morgan Duren of Lufkin, TX; Sutton Frankens of Lufkin, TX; and Khash Frankens of Garrison, TX; Great-grandchildren: JayDe Robertson & Aubrey Robertson of Marshall, TX; and Connor Taylor of Henderson, TX; brother, Dale Sparks and wife, Ann of Palestine; Don Sparks of Hempstead; and sister, Carrie Havard of Indianapolis, IN.

A gathering will be after graveside service from 11:00 – 1:00 at North Street Church of Christ in the Fellowship Hall for family and friends.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethel Cemetery, The Treatment Center of Nacogdoches, or The Harvest House.

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