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Thomas W Sparks was welcomed by his Savior into eternal life on March 8, 2023, surrounded by his children and family.
A native of Hillsboro, MS, he was born January 28, 1934, to Cecil and Marie Sparks.
He attended Morton High School and East Central Junior College and graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in Poultry Science. He joined the National Guard as a freshman in junior college and later transferred to the ready reserve in the US Army. He went to basic training at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, where he served for two years. He was also stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana.
Tom met the love of his life, Marreta White Sparks, and they were married in 1956. When Tom and Marreta returned to Magee, he went to work for HF McCarty Feed and Seed that later became McCarty Farms. He served as chief operating officer at McCarty Farms for thirty-three years. During that time, he served as president of the Mississippi Poultry Association, before becoming president of the Southeastern Poultry and Egg Association. He continued on the board of directors for the Southeastern Poultry and Egg Association, where he was named Workhorse of the Year. He received numerous awards during his tenure in the poultry industry. Tom was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Mississippi State University for his contribution and dedication to the poultry industry.
Tom was awarded Citizen of the Year while serving two terms on the Magee Chamber of Commerce. He was also elected to the Simpson County School Board where he served for ten years.
He was named an honorary citizen of the city of Houston, TX and served as a Goodwill Ambassador for his contributions to bringing business to the city of Houston.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Magee, where he taught Sunday school for many years, as well as serving on various committees.
He and his family enjoyed many years of traveling to places such as France, Italy, Germany, Norway, and Mexico.
His children remember him as a man of strength, character, respect, and Godly wisdom. He loved big and gave without hesitation to those in need.
His business associates remember him as honest, fair, and community service driven. Mr. HF McCarty said of him, “You’ve helped build the business, and especially the image for: Honesty as a company policy; Fairness to all – growers, employees, customers, and the public; Community Service not only of the business, but also its leadership and employees; Quality products and concern for customers; Top Performance at all levels; and industry leadership.”
He was an avid hunter, gardener, and lover of all nature. Tom had a passion for his loyal and faithful squirrel dogs; Dan, Mitzi, and Black. His most renowned squirrel dog, Dan, was flown in on the MSU airplane to Magee, MS.
He faithfully ministered to his beloved wife of 63 years, through her illness, until her death in 2019.
Tom was loved by many as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brother, David Hilton Sparks; and sister, Helen Sparks Barnes.
He is survived by his son, Barry Sparks (Debbie); Daughter, Carla Sparks Moss (Bill); grandchildren Brittany Sparks Pace (Grant); Walker Sparks (Angela); Amanda Moss; and Chad Moss. Seven great grandchildren whom he loved so much – Brayden, Leighton, Koltin, Ella Kate, Caroline, Bailey, and Harper. He is also survived by his loving caregiver and friend, Hertie Griffith; and his ever faithful dog Little Joe.
Services will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at The First United Methodist Church in Magee, MS at 12:00 noon with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Magee City Cemetery with Reverend Tony McDonald officiating.
In lieu of flowers, The family request donations to The First United Methodist Church of Magee, MS, P.O. Box 661, Magee, MS 39111.
Arrangements are entrusted with Tutor Funeral Home of Magee.
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Tom and my daddy, F. J. Dickey, were great friends. Our family had the highest respect for Tom Sparks. We loved Tom and Maretta and their family. Love to all of you.