Larry Sparks Jr; Obituary, Death: It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Larry Sparks Jr., a cherished father, beloved son, devoted friend, and respected member of the Tuscaloosa community, who left us peacefully on January 16, 2025. Larry was 62 years old and will be remembered for his strength, integrity, and boundless love for his family and friends.
Born on June 14, 1962, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Larry was a true son of the South. He grew up with a deep love for the culture, traditions, and values of his hometown. From a young age, he developed a strong sense of community, which would define much of his life. Whether it was his commitment to his family, his dedication to his career, or his tireless support for local causes, Larry’s presence was always felt by those around him.
He was a man who would go out of his way to help others and never expected anything in return. Larry was the son of Larry Sparks Sr. and the late Margaret (Sparks) Wilkins, who was the cornerstone of his early years. He had a deep admiration for his mother’s unwavering love and dedication, and she instilled in him the values of hard work, perseverance, and kindness. His father, a local small business owner, was Larry’s role model in both his professional and personal life.
From an early age, Larry learned the importance of honesty, discipline, and the value of earning a living with integrity. Larry attended Tuscaloosa High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically. His competitive spirit and passion for sports were evident as he played on the high school football team and participated in track and field. Despite his success in sports, Larry’s true passion was always in serving others, and he would later go on to become involved in local organizations that focused on helping the youth and families in the area.
His love for Tuscaloosa was evident throughout his life, and he felt a deep responsibility to give back to the community that shaped him. After graduating from high school, Larry pursued a degree in business at the University of Alabama, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his studies. Upon graduating, he returned to Tuscaloosa and became a successful entrepreneur.
He spent over three decades building and managing his own business, a respected local company that provided services to the community and employed several people from the area. Larry’s work ethic and professionalism set the standard for those around him, and he was deeply respected by his colleagues, employees, and clients alike. His integrity was evident in every deal he made, and he was known for his honesty and straightforwardness in all his business dealings.
While Larry found success in his career, his true pride and joy were his family and his role as a father. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann Sparks, and together they raised three children who were the center of their lives. Larry’s love for his family was unwavering, and he dedicated himself to being a devoted husband and father. He took great pride in his children’s accomplishments and always made time for them, whether it was coaching their sports teams, attending their school events, or simply being there for them when they needed guidance.
His children will always remember him as a patient, loving, and supportive father who instilled in them the values of hard work, loyalty, and compassion. Larry’s love for his family extended to his grandchildren, who adored him. His warm smile, kind heart, and sense of humor made him a favorite among his grandchildren, who cherished the time they spent with their grandfather.
Larry’s legacy will live on in his children and grandchildren, who carry with them the lessons of his life and the values he passed down to them. In addition to his family, Larry had a wide circle of friends who loved him deeply. He was the kind of friend who would always be there when you needed him, offering his support, encouragement, and wisdom. Whether it was helping a neighbor with a home improvement project, volunteering his time at local events, or simply being a listening ear, Larry’s generosity and kindness knew no bounds.
He was always quick to offer a word of advice, a helping hand, or a shoulder to lean on. Larry was also known for his deep faith and his commitment to his church. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa, where he served in various capacities throughout the years, including as a deacon. His faith guided him through both the triumphs and challenges of his life, and he found strength in his relationship with God.
Larry believed in the power of prayer, the importance of community, and the value of living a life based on love and service to others. His faith was a cornerstone of his identity, and it was evident in every aspect of his life. As a member of the Tuscaloosa community, Larry was actively involved in several local organizations, including the Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce and various youth programs. He believed in the power of community and always sought ways to improve the lives of those around him.
Whether it was through his business or his volunteer work, Larry made a lasting impact on the community he loved so dearly. He was a true servant leader, always putting others before himself and making the world a better place for those who knew him. Larry’s passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him. He was a man of integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and community. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and kindness that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Larry is survived by his loving wife, Carol Ann Sparks; his children, Jessica (Matthew) Owens, Andrew Sparks, and Sarah Sparks; his grandchildren, Emily, Lily, and Jackson; his father, Larry Sparks Sr.; his siblings, Jennifer (Brian) Mitchell, and Steven (Rachel) Sparks; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly. A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa at 11:00 AM.
Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Tuscaloosa Youth Foundation in Larry’s honor, continuing his legacy of service to the community. Larry Sparks Jr. may have left this world, but his legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him. Rest in peace, Larry, knowing that you made a difference in this world and will never be forgotten. GoFundMe
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