GARRY EVENS SPARKS, age 88, passed away on February 28, 2025, at St. Thomas Hospital West in Nashville, Tennessee. Garry was born in Farmersburg, IN on April 24, 1936, to the late Ralph and Beatrice Marie Sparks.
He graduated from Gerstmeyer High school in Terre Haute, IN. Eleven days after graduation, Garry enlisted in the United States Air Force and retired at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant after 22 years of service to his country.
He met his wife of 63 years, Barbara Ann Sparks while stationed in Albany, GA in 1956. Together, Garry and Barbara travelled the U.S. and Europe raising their family and developing lifelong friendships. Garry retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1977 and moved to Ashland City, TN. Garry worked for the State of Tennessee in Systems Development for 16 years and retired in 1993. He enjoyed sports (especially Tennessee football and basketball), playing golf with his friends, and gardening, but mostly he enjoyed being around his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandson. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ann Sparks, his son-in-law Brian Paul Linerode; brothers Ralph Sparks, Jr., Jesse James Sparks, and Bill Sparks; sisters Viva Lance, Phyllis Sparks, Lavada Elkins, Wanda Johnson, Donna Joseph, and Rose Payne.
He is survived by his three daughters, Cynthia Marie (Don) Reid of Brentwood TN, Sandra Lee Linerode of Estill Springs, TN and Kimberly Ann (Jason) West of Franklin, TN, five grandchildren, Lindsey Grace Linerode (Trevor) Schmit, Brian Brooks Linerode, Anne Marie West, Samuel Keck West, and John “Jack” Gary West; one great grandson, Brian Briggs Schmit; and sister Glenda Bonte.
Funeral service will be Sunday, March 9th at 4pm in the Chapel of Cheatham County Funeral Home with Pastor Sam Creed (U.S. Air Force Veteran) and Pastor Stephen Lacy officiating. Visitation will be Sunday before the service from 1pm until the service hour of 4pm. Burial with full military honors will be Monday, March 10, 2025, at 10am in Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Nashville, TN.
Serving as honorary pallbearers are Brooks Linerode, Sam West, Jack West, Jimmy Sparks, Gary Joseph, Jimmy Joseph, Wesley Clay, Kevin Clay, Gene Smith and Robert Nicholson.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Garry’s memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers c/o Cheatham County Funeral Home. Cheatham County Funeral Home LLC 615-792-2552 online condolences may be made at cheathamcountyfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
This obituary was published by Cheatham County Funeral Home.
This obituary was published by Obituaries provided free for the community.
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