Edd R. Sparks

Edd R. Sparks, age 81, passed away Tuesday, February 19, 2019.  He was a resident of Yancey County, formerly of Mitchell County.  Edd was born January 12, 1938, a son of the late Clate and Dorothy Forbes Sparks.  He was a brother to the late Anna Mae Hollifield, sister.  Remaining in his family are Larry Hollifield (Diane), Zack and brother-in-law Harold Hollifield of Asheville.

Edd was a family man, husband, and soulmate to Maude Shuford Sparks, “little girl’s daddy” to Andra Sparks Caldwell (John) of Hickory, “biggest man I know” to son Kevin Sparks (Elaine) of Murfreesboro, TN, “Papa” to Trevor and Chloe Sparks, brother to his in-law family, Ed Shuford of Burnsville, Phyllis Wylie of Marion, Bonnie Moses of Asheville, Ann Autrey (Johnny) of Hiddenite, Jay Shuford (Vicky) of Burnsville, and “Uncle Pooh” to nephews and nieces.

Edd was a fellow member of his beloved Browns Creek Baptist Church, where he served as deacon for 55 years, as Sunday school superintendent, Training Union director, Royal Ambassador Leader, Intermediate boy’s teacher, church clerk and budget committee.

He served in the US Army Reserve for 6 years.  Edd retired from the NC Department of Transportation after 38 years, where he was a surveyor and bridge maintenance supervisor.

Edd cultivated and photographed wild flowers, his favorite being the showy orchids.  He also collected Indian artifacts.

Edd was attended by Hospice of Yancey County, to whom memorials may be made at Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714, or Gideons International at P. O. Box 264, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Funeral services will be held at 2PM Friday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Revs. Donald Davis and Forrest Westall will officiate.  Burial will be in the Big Crabtree Baptist Church Cemetery on Rabbit Hop Road in Mitchell County.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

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