William (Wick) Sparks

William Fain Wick Sparks departed this life on Friday December 18, 2009, after a brief illness and stay at Sanctuary Hospice House leaving behind his loving family and a host of friends.

Wick was born to Kitty Lee Fain Sparks and Owen L Sparks in Verona, Mississippi on March 13th, 1926, sharing the same birth date with his brother who was seven years older. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Robert Owen Sparks. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Eleanor Brunson Sparks, his son and business partner, John Owen Sparks and his wife Dr. Michelle Baragona, his son William David Sparks and his wife Christina Canty Sparks, his grandson William Matthew Sparks, his cousins, nieces and nephews.

Lifelong residents of Lee County, the Sparks family lived in Verona until moving to Tupelo in 1931. Wick often recounted his familys experience during a significant event in Tupelos history; The 1936 Tupelo tornado. Wicks father took the family to the Water and Light Department, where he was Superintendent, to take shelter from the approaching storm. As the tornado ripped the roof off the building, Wicks father took action and cut the electrical power, saving many homes from destruction.

Wick graduated from Tupelo High School and Mississippi State University. He developed a love for music and the clarinet in the Tupelo High School band. He continued his musical career playing in the MSU marching band. He joined the United States Air Force during college and served in the Air Force reserves working for the Air Force Academy. He retired with the rank of Major.

Wick was married for 54 years to Eleanor Brunson of Elba, Alabama. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Tupelo. He was active in many music organizations serving as interim Director of Music at First United Methodist Church and the choir director at First Presbyterian Church. Wick successfully owned and operated Sparks Printing Company for 53 years, originally starting the business as S & M printers in 1956.

Wick was an active member of the Tupelo community. He was a member of the Tupelo Rotary club for over 40 years. He also coached football and baseball teams in the Tupelo Park and recreation system.

Wick was an accomplished musician. He was an original founding member of the Tupelo Symphony Orchestra where he played the clarinet for over 35 years. He served as the Executive Director on the symphony board. In addition to being a gifted musician, he performed in community theatre productions, musical productions and barbershop groups. Wick continued to pursue his life-long love of music by forming various bands and ensembles. His love of music will be his
legacy.

Wick will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends.

Services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Andy Ray and Tommy Baragona of Booneville officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Owen Sparks, David Sparks, David East, Andrew Fox Jr., Steve Hickman, and John Day.

Honorary pallbearers will be Calvin White, Dan Williams, John Vaughn, Eugene Alexander, Dr. Matt Wesson, and Andrew Fox Sr.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home on Jefferson Street. Prior to the ceremony at the church, there will be a visitation available in the Gathering Room from 12:30 p.m. until service time.

Memorials may be made to the Tupelo Symphony Orchestra Endowment Fund, P. O. Box 474, Tupelo, MS 38802. The Wick Sparks Memorial Clarinet Chair will be established to his memory and will become a permanent part of the Tupelo Symphony Orchestra Endowment Fund.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .