Mr. Earl Junior Sparks, 85, of Chapel Hill, formerly of Irvine, KY, passed away Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, at NHC Healthcare Oakwood in Lewisburg.

Mr. Sparks, the son of the late Isaac Thomas and Mary Margaret Shearer Sparks, was born in Estill County, KY, on June 1, 1935. He retired from Forrest School in Chapel Hill as a custodian. He loved singing and playing his guitar and harmonica. Bird watching and gardening were among his favorite past times. He was a member of White Hall Holiness Church in Richmond, KY.

He was united in marriage to Ruby Mae Barrett Sparks who preceded him in death.

Survivors include three sons; Flemon (Doris) Sparks of Springfield, Michael (Darla) Sparks and Marcus (Sherry) Sparks all of Richmond; one daughter, Kim (James) Bourland of Chapel Hill; one brother, Herman Sparks; one sister, Coffa Embrey; six grandchildren, Amanda (Jesse) Iler, Tyler (Samantha) Sparks, Andrea (Dustin) Fitzgerald, Rachel (Thomas) Shearon, Amber (Abraham) Nava and Corey Sparks; seven great grandchildren; two step-grandchildren, Jessica (Nathan) Hughes and James Mitchell; five step great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, James Still; two sisters-in-law, Marquita Sparks and Shelia Sparks; several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Mr. Sparks was also preceded in death by two sons, Charles Earl Sparks and Danny Sparks; six brothers, William Arthur, James, John, Glendon, Delbert Eugene and Sidney Sparks, Sr.; four sisters, Addie Sparks, Nannie Sparks, Lillian Culton and Elsie Still.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, private services were held at the Pine Grove Pentecostal Holiness Assembly in Richmond with Rev. Sidney Sparks, Jr. officiating. Burial followed in the Boain Cemetery in Estill County, KY.

Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home of Richmond, KY was in charge of arrangements and was assisted locally by Lawrence Funeral Home. www.cpcfh.com