Ezra "Ed" Sparks, 92, of Elkin, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, November 26, 2009 at Elkin Healthcare. Mr. Sparks was born April 27, 1917 in Wilkes County to Walter and Emma Billings Sparks. He was a member of State Road Pentecostal Holiness Church and was a veteran of the United States Navy. He was owner and operator of Ed's Cafeteria in Elkin. In addition to his parents, Mr. Sparks was preceded in death by his wife, Dossie Bernice Sparks; a daughter, Kay Andrews; a son-in-law, Gray Crater; a son, R.C. Sparks; two brothers, Jasper "Jap" Sparks and Ray Sparks; and two sisters, Nora Wilmoth and Eva Waddell. He is survived by four daughters, Pansey Ballard of Statesville, Barbara Meeks & husband Jim of Darlington, SC, Bonnie Fowler & husband Tony of Kernersville, Brenda Hawks & husband Tracy of State Road; five sons, Charles Sparks & wife Carol of Hays, Richard Sparks & wife Shirley of State Road, Clyde Sparks & wife Pricilla of Lexington, SC, Gary Sparks & wife Starr of Elkin, and Jerry Sparks & wife Teresa of State Road; three brothers, Roy "Bud" Sparks & wife Shirley of Traphill, Linville Sparks & wife Ella Mae of Traphill, and Banner Sparks of Jot-Um-Down; a sister, Pauline Hicks & husband Claude of Traphill; a son-in-law, Donald Andrews; 24 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 9 great-great grandchildren. A funeral service will be conducted Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 2:00 pm at Elkin Funeral Service Chapel with Rev. Gary Tatum officiating. Burial will follow in Crestwood Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Saturday evening from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Elkin Funeral Service. Full military honors will be provided by Yadkin VFW Post 10346.
