Billy Hugh Sparks

Billy Hugh Sparks, a leader and prominent citizen of the Parrottsville community, passed away at his home Monday, March 17, 2014, after a period of declining health. Sparks was born on April 10, 1931, the son of the late Hugh and Kate Sparks. As a young boy, he was introduced to the love of farming, a career that lasted throughout his life. He was named Chairman of the Tennessee State ASC Committee by US Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butz in 1974, a position he held for 20 years.With the exception of two years when he served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, he owned and operated Heritage Farms his whole adult life. Sparks was manager of the Cocke County Farm Bureau for 17 years, served on the Board of Directors of Merchants and Planters Bank, was a member of Masonic Lodge #234, and was a lifelong Republican. He had 15 years of insurance experience and was president of the Cocke County Farmers Cooperative. Sparks was an avid sports fan and staunch supporter of UT athletics. He was a member of Parrottsville United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Jan Sparks Proffitt. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Patricia Nease Sparks of Parrottsville and daughter and son-in-law Kay and Bill Buda of Newport. He was a loving and doting "Grand-dad" to his grandchildren: Meredith (Dr. Travis) Fawver, Malerie (Robert) Bloomquist, and Weston (Tessa) Bailey and Morgan Christine Buda and to his great-grandchildren Bridgette and Mason Fawver. Sparks is also survived by his first cousins Gray (Jean) Sparks, Jr. and Reba Faye (Herbert) Sane, all of Parrottsville, and a host of friends. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 21, 2014, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 5:00 p.m. at Parrottsville United Methodist Church. Pastors Rick Spell and David Neal will officiate. The family extends their sincere appreciation to Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Parrottsville United Methodist Church, 2037 Old Parrottsvville Highway, Parrottsville, TN 37843. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Manes Funeral Home in charge

Billy Hugh Sparks

April 10, 1931 - March 17, 2014