POWDERLY – Samuel James Sparks, 70, of Powderly, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025 surrounded by loving family. Sam was born December 2, 1954 in Greenville. After graduating from Central City High School in 1973, where he played basketball for his beloved Golden Tide, he continued his education and basketball career at Belmont CollegeContinue Reading
Jennie Sallee
left a message on May 5, 2025:
Sorry to hear.
Sarann Harralson
left a message on May 5, 2025:
To Sparks Family,
I was so sorry to hear that Sammy and Blake are no longer with you. Son, Ben, saw the announcements on Facebook just yesterday. Sammy was one of the most cheerful persons I have ever known and always seemed to be friends with everyone. I know the loss of both family members is a great, great loss to you and to their many friends and colleagues. Love, Sarann
Lisa Kirkman
left a message on May 4, 2025:
When i woke that morning to the news of Mr. Sparks passing, I tear fell down my face and these words came pouring into my mind and I type them into a Facebook post. I thought it fitting to put them here too as a testament of who you were to so many. I woke up to the news of one of my all time favorite teachers passing. My heart is sad, for Mr. Sammy Sparks was one of the best. He taught Ky History with the last 6 weeks being Muhlenberg County history. He made history fun for the first time. I wasn’t an ambitious student but Mr Sparks made me push myself to be a better student and because I liked him I sought his approval. That was the academic part of my year in Sammy Sparks class. Coach Sparks, as he was often referred to, was a friend. Most of my kid years I spent seeking attention. Mr. Sparks gave that to me. I come in his class with some silly story I’d embellished, for entertainments sake, he not only listened but often time gave me the floor to tell the whole class. He’d just smile, shake his head and say, “You just won’t do, Lisa.” We had an open house where parents could come and talk to teachers. When I left class the day before it, he told me send your parents up here to me I have nothing but good things to tell them.🩷He was one of two teachers who built me up and made me feel good about myself when most teachers found me annoying or a disruption. I thank you for that, Sammy Sparks, and I know Heaven is somehow a bit better with you in it. Prayers for his family.
Lamont Bard
left a message on May 3, 2025:
I send love & good vibrations to every member of the Sparks family. Coach is loved by many.
Julie Tucker Croley
left a message on May 3, 2025:
Kathy, I will always treasure my memories of growing up on Broad Street with Sammy and our gang. When we grew up a little, we then had our Golden Tide years together as basketball player and cheerleader. He always had that beautiful smile and something funny to say. God bless you and your precious family. I will keep you in my prayers.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Richard Dicky Miller
left a message on May 2, 2025:
I knew Sammy since Little League & going to school with hm! , if everyone was like Sammy we wouldn’t need locks on our doors, no police. He definitely was a kind & generous Angel God ever gave up😢
The Clark's
left a message on May 2, 2025:
We are so sorry to hear the news of Sammy's passing. He will be sadly missed by the community. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you in the days to come. Sam, Jeff and Sheri Clark
Doug Shaver
left a message on May 2, 2025:
So saddened upon hearing of Sammy’s’ passing. I never saw him without an infectious smile, and or a joke. I know his BBall girls all were lucky to have played for Him. Jennie & I pray for Kathy, his children, grandchildren. RIP Sammy.
Steven piper
left a message on May 1, 2025:
In memory of Samuel James Sparks, Steven piper lit a candle
James Sparks
left a message on April 30, 2025:
My sympathy for the of a great friend and great man. I meet Sammy through golf, he always had a smile and kind words. One of the Best
Wayne Hunsaker
left a message on April 30, 2025:
No words can really express how sorry I am about my friend Sammy! Sammy is one of those guys that you have to love. Don’t ever recall a single time that I saw him that he wasn’t smiling and wanting to talk. He had a great career and touched a lot of hearts. Sammy will certainly be missed. RIP Sammy!
Justin Kinkade
left a message on April 30, 2025:
Coach Sammy was the example of what class should be as a coach and person. My deepest sympathies to his family. Love you always coach.
Justin Kinkade
left a message on April 30, 2025:
Coach Sammy was the example of what Class was supposed to be as a coach and a human being. I absolutely loved playing for him. I’m so sorry for your loss. I send my deepest sympathies. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul.
Jenny Finley
left a message on April 30, 2025:
In memory of Samuel James Sparks, Jenny Finley lit a candle
Nina Pearson & Croxton Family
left a message on April 30, 2025:
I am so sorry for your loss and so thankful that Sam is no longer suffering. Rest in Peace Sam
Lowell and Nancy Ware
left a message on April 30, 2025:
Laura, we are keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Rod and Gloria Jean Bullock
left a message on April 30, 2025:
We were saddened by the news of Sammy’s passing. Your family will be in our heats, minds and prayers.
Carla croxton Reed
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Praying for the family.
Sammy was one of the best teachers I had at South high School 93-97 . He was a wonderful guy,he will be greatly missed.
Tracy Rocke Lewis
left a message on April 29, 2025:
In memory of Samuel James Sparks, Tracy Rocke Lewis lit a candle
Hayley Sigers
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Coach Sparks will forever be imprinted in every student he taught, athlete he coached, and friend he encountered.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Teressa Poole
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Ms. Kathy and family, lifting you all up during this challenging time. Coach Sparks holds a special place in my heart. I can still see that big cheese eaten grin shouting “Pooleeeee”. Peace and comfort. Love you all!!
Laura Kaylor
left a message on April 29, 2025:
In memory of Samuel James Sparks, Laura Kaylor lit a candle
Joan McClellan
left a message on April 29, 2025:
In memory of Samuel James Sparks, Joan McClellan lit a candle
Michael Robbins
left a message on April 29, 2025:
My most heart felt condolences to the entire Sparks family. Sammy will be missed deeply by many people but he is on a better place now and is not feeling any pain or distress. I know if he or anyone in the family could change anything he would still be with you. But, God's plan cannot be over ruled. Sammy was always making me laugh and smile. Prayers for the entire family
Sandra Whitworth
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Remembering another fine young man that is gone from our community...He was one of a kind person that is for sure...Sandra Whitworth Class of 1967...
Danny E. and Saundra K. Cornett
left a message on April 29, 2025:
We will never forget Sammy and Kathy, wonderful people who truly cared about kids. We had the blessing of meeting both along the way during ball years, may the Lord bless and keep Kathy and the family, until they meet again, prayers going up.
Sandra Whitworth
left a message on April 29, 2025:
In memory of Samuel James Sparks, Sandra Whitworth lit a candle
Linda. Kirtley
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Kathy and family. I am so sorry to hear about Sammy. It will get easier he is in a great place. When I use to live at nanny’s he would come over with Darrell and he would tease me all the time. Love you girl. Here is my new number give it to all your sisters. 1-731-277-6316
Dustin Stephens
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Sparky was one of the best teachers I ever had! His smile was sly and he was always up to something. Him and Scooty. We always kidnapped that little statue. It was hilarious. He will be missed dearly. Good man for sure.
Angela Francis Noffsinger
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Sammy was a very special person. I don't think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. He will be missed by many. Deepest sympathy to Kathy and the family.
Angie Doss
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Kathy, Laura, and family,
Sam was such a gift to all who knew him, and to know him really was to love him. Grateful for the time together in Israel. He had such a sunny, happy disposition, and he was masterful at putting everyone around him at ease … and also in stitches with his humor!
Much love,
Angie
Bernida Whitmer Belcher
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Your memories will live on in Central City. Your friendship was valuable in high school and at Belmont. Prayers for the family and cherished your memories with Sammy. Hugs to all.
Steve Vincent
left a message on April 29, 2025:
A wonderful friend, an Awesome Man. His contributions to the town and his family will live on forever. Till we meet again my friend
Angie
left a message on April 29, 2025:
I'm sorry Kathey and the kids!
Kimberly McClellan White
left a message on April 29, 2025:
My condolences to Kathy and family. Coach Sparks was an amazing teacher and person. He always made the classroom better with his winning personality/attitude while teaching at Muhlenberg Central High School. He will be missed. 💚 💛 🤍
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Jennie Sallee
left a message on May 5, 2025:
Sorry to hear.
Sarann Harralson
left a message on May 5, 2025:
To Sparks Family,
I was so sorry to hear that Sammy and Blake are no longer with you. Son, Ben, saw the announcements on Facebook just yesterday. Sammy was one of the most cheerful persons I have ever known and always seemed to be friends with everyone. I know the loss of both family members is a great, great loss to you and to their many friends and colleagues. Love, Sarann
Lisa Kirkman
left a message on May 4, 2025:
When i woke that morning to the news of Mr. Sparks passing, I tear fell down my face and these words came pouring into my mind and I type them into a Facebook post. I thought it fitting to put them here too as a testament of who you were to so many. I woke up to the news of one of my all time favorite teachers passing. My heart is sad, for Mr. Sammy Sparks was one of the best. He taught Ky History with the last 6 weeks being Muhlenberg County history. He made history fun for the first time. I wasn’t an ambitious student but Mr Sparks made me push myself to be a better student and because I liked him I sought his approval. That was the academic part of my year in Sammy Sparks class. Coach Sparks, as he was often referred to, was a friend. Most of my kid years I spent seeking attention. Mr. Sparks gave that to me. I come in his class with some silly story I’d embellished, for entertainments sake, he not only listened but often time gave me the floor to tell the whole class. He’d just smile, shake his head and say, “You just won’t do, Lisa.” We had an open house where parents could come and talk to teachers. When I left class the day before it, he told me send your parents up here to me I have nothing but good things to tell them.🩷He was one of two teachers who built me up and made me feel good about myself when most teachers found me annoying or a disruption. I thank you for that, Sammy Sparks, and I know Heaven is somehow a bit better with you in it. Prayers for his family.
Lamont Bard
left a message on May 3, 2025:
I send love & good vibrations to every member of the Sparks family. Coach is loved by many.
Julie Tucker Croley
left a message on May 3, 2025:
Kathy, I will always treasure my memories of growing up on Broad Street with Sammy and our gang. When we grew up a little, we then had our Golden Tide years together as basketball player and cheerleader. He always had that beautiful smile and something funny to say. God bless you and your precious family. I will keep you in my prayers.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Richard Dicky Miller
left a message on May 2, 2025:
I knew Sammy since Little League & going to school with hm! , if everyone was like Sammy we wouldn’t need locks on our doors, no police. He definitely was a kind & generous Angel God ever gave up😢
The Clark's
left a message on May 2, 2025:
We are so sorry to hear the news of Sammy's passing. He will be sadly missed by the community. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you in the days to come. Sam, Jeff and Sheri Clark
Doug Shaver
left a message on May 2, 2025:
So saddened upon hearing of Sammy’s’ passing. I never saw him without an infectious smile, and or a joke. I know his BBall girls all were lucky to have played for Him. Jennie & I pray for Kathy, his children, grandchildren. RIP Sammy.
Steven piper
left a message on May 1, 2025:
In memory of Samuel James Sparks, Steven piper lit a candle
James Sparks
left a message on April 30, 2025:
My sympathy for the of a great friend and great man. I meet Sammy through golf, he always had a smile and kind words. One of the Best
Wayne Hunsaker
left a message on April 30, 2025:
No words can really express how sorry I am about my friend Sammy! Sammy is one of those guys that you have to love. Don’t ever recall a single time that I saw him that he wasn’t smiling and wanting to talk. He had a great career and touched a lot of hearts. Sammy will certainly be missed. RIP Sammy!
Justin Kinkade
left a message on April 30, 2025:
Coach Sammy was the example of what class should be as a coach and person. My deepest sympathies to his family. Love you always coach.
Justin Kinkade
left a message on April 30, 2025:
Coach Sammy was the example of what Class was supposed to be as a coach and a human being. I absolutely loved playing for him. I’m so sorry for your loss. I send my deepest sympathies. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul.
Jenny Finley
left a message on April 30, 2025:
In memory of Samuel James Sparks, Jenny Finley lit a candle
Nina Pearson & Croxton Family
left a message on April 30, 2025:
I am so sorry for your loss and so thankful that Sam is no longer suffering. Rest in Peace Sam
Lowell and Nancy Ware
left a message on April 30, 2025:
Laura, we are keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Rod and Gloria Jean Bullock
left a message on April 30, 2025:
We were saddened by the news of Sammy’s passing. Your family will be in our heats, minds and prayers.
Carla croxton Reed
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Praying for the family.
Sammy was one of the best teachers I had at South high School 93-97 . He was a wonderful guy,he will be greatly missed.
Tracy Rocke Lewis
left a message on April 29, 2025:
In memory of Samuel James Sparks, Tracy Rocke Lewis lit a candle
Hayley Sigers
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Coach Sparks will forever be imprinted in every student he taught, athlete he coached, and friend he encountered.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Teressa Poole
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Ms. Kathy and family, lifting you all up during this challenging time. Coach Sparks holds a special place in my heart. I can still see that big cheese eaten grin shouting “Pooleeeee”. Peace and comfort. Love you all!!
Laura Kaylor
left a message on April 29, 2025:
In memory of Samuel James Sparks, Laura Kaylor lit a candle
Joan McClellan
left a message on April 29, 2025:
In memory of Samuel James Sparks, Joan McClellan lit a candle
Michael Robbins
left a message on April 29, 2025:
My most heart felt condolences to the entire Sparks family. Sammy will be missed deeply by many people but he is on a better place now and is not feeling any pain or distress. I know if he or anyone in the family could change anything he would still be with you. But, God's plan cannot be over ruled. Sammy was always making me laugh and smile. Prayers for the entire family
Sandra Whitworth
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Remembering another fine young man that is gone from our community...He was one of a kind person that is for sure...Sandra Whitworth Class of 1967...
Danny E. and Saundra K. Cornett
left a message on April 29, 2025:
We will never forget Sammy and Kathy, wonderful people who truly cared about kids. We had the blessing of meeting both along the way during ball years, may the Lord bless and keep Kathy and the family, until they meet again, prayers going up.
Sandra Whitworth
left a message on April 29, 2025:
In memory of Samuel James Sparks, Sandra Whitworth lit a candle
Linda. Kirtley
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Kathy and family. I am so sorry to hear about Sammy. It will get easier he is in a great place. When I use to live at nanny’s he would come over with Darrell and he would tease me all the time. Love you girl. Here is my new number give it to all your sisters. 1-731-277-6316
Dustin Stephens
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Sparky was one of the best teachers I ever had! His smile was sly and he was always up to something. Him and Scooty. We always kidnapped that little statue. It was hilarious. He will be missed dearly. Good man for sure.
Angela Francis Noffsinger
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Sammy was a very special person. I don't think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. He will be missed by many. Deepest sympathy to Kathy and the family.
Angie Doss
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Kathy, Laura, and family,
Sam was such a gift to all who knew him, and to know him really was to love him. Grateful for the time together in Israel. He had such a sunny, happy disposition, and he was masterful at putting everyone around him at ease … and also in stitches with his humor!
Much love,
Angie
Bernida Whitmer Belcher
left a message on April 29, 2025:
Your memories will live on in Central City. Your friendship was valuable in high school and at Belmont. Prayers for the family and cherished your memories with Sammy. Hugs to all.
Steve Vincent
left a message on April 29, 2025:
A wonderful friend, an Awesome Man. His contributions to the town and his family will live on forever. Till we meet again my friend
Angie
left a message on April 29, 2025:
I'm sorry Kathey and the kids!
Kimberly McClellan White
left a message on April 29, 2025:
My condolences to Kathy and family. Coach Sparks was an amazing teacher and person. He always made the classroom better with his winning personality/attitude while teaching at Muhlenberg Central High School. He will be missed. 💚 💛 🤍
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.