Howard Sparks, 86, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 14th, 2025. Howard was born in Millport, Alabama and was an avid Crimson Tide fan. Howard was a graduate of both Freed-Hardeman University and David Lipscomb College, where he met his wife, Carolyn. He did graduate studies at both the Memphis School of Preaching and Pikeville University.

Early in life, he and his wife Carolyn moved to Orangeburg, South Carolina, where there was no existing Church of Christ. He worked hard to organize and grow a church for his Lord and Savior. The church there grew and continues to thrive today.

Mr. Sparks held numerous occupations throughout his life. He was a minister, Bible School teacher, Dale Carnegie certified instructor, certified electrician, carpenter, road estimator for Ashland Oil, and later worked for Medusa Aggregates, and the Adams Corporation. At the time of his death, Howard was retired.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Elton Sparks and Edna Young Sparks of Millport, Alabama.  He is survived by his wife, Carolyn of 61 years; beloved son and daughter-in-law, Seth Sparks and Renee Dutton Sparks; sister Ellen Sparks Rooze (Jim) of Indiana; brother Jerry Sparks (Sarah) of Alabama; and niece Susan Sparks Madison (Blake) of Alabama, and several cousins.

Mr. Sparks was a faithful member of the Church of Christ from his youth until he went Home.

Visitation will be Thurs., July 17, 5-7 pm with service Fri., July 18th, 11 am at North Lexington Church of Christ. www.milwardfuneral.com

Graveside services will be held in Howard's home town of Millport, Alabama on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. under the direction of Dowdle Funeral Home.