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Conway, SC…Mr. Gene O. Sparks, 86, passed away at his home Wednesday, October 3, 2018. Born July 22, 1932 in Scott County, MS. Mr. Sparks was the son of the late Leon and Janice Rowe Sparks. Gene was delivered by his grandfather, Dr. Sparks, at home. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on October 3, 2018. He grew up on a family farm with five brothers and two sisters. He graduated from Morton High School where he served as student body president. After attending Millsaps College, he served two years in the United States Army and found his way to South Carolina where he met the love of his life, Nita Page Forehand. They were married at the First Baptist Church of Conway in 1953. Gene was a devoted husband of 64 years, father, grandfather and avid, self-taught sailor who enthusiastically led community and church outreach. He rose to the position of Post Master where he remained until his retirement in 1988. His kindness shone to all he served as twice Chairman of Deacons, choir member and soloist at First Baptist, on the board of directors and as frequent performer at the Theatre of the Republic. He worked hard and loved to fellowship as president of the Lions Club and American Legion member, Board member of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Chairman of Horry County Election Commission. Uncle Gene, as he was known to many, helped found Volunteers in Probation in the 70's and parented many foster children. Mr. Sparks was predeceased by three brothers and one sister. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Nita Forehand Sparks of Conway; his sons, John Marshall Sparks of Myrtle Beach and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Alan Norwood (Kristi) Sparks of Mt. Pleasant, SC; his daughters, Renee Sparks (Jeffrey) Defalco and Mary Grace Sparks of Conway; his grandchildren, Page Louise Curry of Conway, Jacob Sparks of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Katharine Sparks; his brothers, Richard Sparks of Jackson, MS, and Daniel Sparks of Georgia; and his sister, Janet Howerton of Jackson, MS. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00AM Saturday, October 6, 2018 at First Baptist Church of Conway, officiated by Rev. Rocky Taylor. The family will receive friends at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel, Friday, October 5, 2018 from 5:00PM-7:00PM. Memorial donations may be made to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of SC, 1314 Lincoln St., Columbia, SC 29201 or to The Theater of the Republic, 331 Main St., Conway, SC 29526. Please sign the online guest register at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel, is serving the family.

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Gene Oliver Sparks

July 22, 1932 - October 3, 2018