George Sparks' Obituary
“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good
fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”- II Timothy 4:6-7
George L. Sparks was born in Clayton, N.J. on February 25, 1933 to the late Barry Sparks, Sr.
and the late Florence Hicks. The family moved to Albany, NY and united with Bethany Baptist
Church founded in part by his grandmother, Sara Andrews and where George accepted Jesus
Christ at an early age and started his journey of spiritual growth.
George received his elementary and secondary education in Albany Public Schools. George
joined the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and was stationed in Ramsgate, England where he became a
parachute rigger. He was also known as a fierce competitor in golden gloves’ exhibition matches
while serving abroad. After an honorable discharge, George later joined the Albany Police Department in 1959 as the third black patrol officer hired by the city, serving under the first black chief of police, John
Dale. Two and a half years later, George sustained a gunshot wound to the leg while in pursuit
of a suspect. The suspect was apprehended and George continued his career with the Albany
Police Dept, for a total of 37 years before retiring. In 1996, George moved to Atlanta, GA where
he worked part time as a Traffic Court Bailiff in Acworth and Kennesaw, GA.
After his second retirement five years ago, George spent most days traveling, playing cards,
building model airplanes, cars, boats, hat hangers, and anything else you could imagine. George
had a passion for constructing things, bowling and spending time with friends in the Quarterback
Club and the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Service Organization. He loved his family. He
loved to laugh and joke. He loved serving the community and earnestly LOVED his trips to the
Casino and the local store to play his numbers, especially when he hit! He was always well
dressed and could be found sporting his white shoes on opening day of the Saratoga Race Track
in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. He was an avid sports fan, whose teams were the Yankees, Golden
State Warriors and of course, the Atlanta Braves. Win or lose, you could always count on
George’s favorite mantra, “It is what it is!”
George was preceded in death by his parents, Barry Sparks, Sr. and Florence Hicks; his aunt
(Big) Ruth Hill who raised him; his eldest sister, Ruth Wortham, his youngest sister, Bertha
Dent; and his granddaughter, Kerry Moran. Memories of George will be cherished by his partner
and best friend, Theresa Thomas of Austell, GA; beloved brother Barry Sparks, Jr. (Edna) of
Albany, N.Y.; brother-in-law, Benjamin Dent; his children, Shirley Williams (Kevin) of Chester,
England, Georgina Henry of London, England, Gregory Sparks, Sr. of Austell, GA, Kimberly
Sparks of Cary, N.C., Sheila McLaughlin of Los Angeles, CA; Deborah McClung (Belinda) of
Washington, D.C.; his grandchildren, Adam, Patricia, Victoria, Ciara, Emma, Casera, Monica,
Gregory, II., Rashad Jamal, Khalid; twelve great grandchildren; two great, great grandchildren;
his God daughter and niece, Benita Jackson; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, other family
members and friends.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday 11:00-1:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home Chapel with Douglas Wortham and Pastor Sheila Miller officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation Tuesday prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 AM.
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