Billie O. Sparkman

Billie Orville Sparkman, 79, of Cleveland passed away Monday, October 29, 2012 at a local healthcare facility. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Cleveland. Born on March 28, 1933 on a farm near Doyle, TN, he graduated from White County High School in Sparta where he played football. He then served in the United States Army and was stationed at the Presidio of San Francisco. After discharge from the Army in 1956, he completed his degree from Tennessee Technological University in 1958 where he lettered on the track team. He then began his career with the Farmers CO-OP. After briefly working at Blount Farmers CO-OP, he came to Bradley Farmers CO-OP as the CO-OP's first manager in 1959. He served as the manager of the CO-OP until his retirement in 1994. During his tenure, he established the CO-OP's first location on Spring Place Road and the relocation to Blue Springs Road as the business grew. In 2004, he received the James B. Walker Cooperative Spirit Award for his tireless efforts and devotion to the CO-OP system. He was respected by many in the business and farming communities. After his retirement, he enjoyed raising cattle, hunting and taking trips. He loved hosting late October hayrides for his friends and family to enjoy. He served on the Farm Bureau Board of Directors and was on the Volunteer Energy Cooperative's Customers Share Board of Directors. He married Mildred Sue Keathley on November 29, 1963 and he loved her dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Lansford and Martha Jane Earles Sparkman; brothers, Earl Thomas Sparkman, Frank Martin Sparkman and Joe Ben Sparkman and sister, Martha Christine Sparkman Oliphant. Survivors include his wife of nearly 49 years, Mildred Keathley Sparkman of Cleveland; sons, Jimmy Sparkman and wife Stephanie, their children, Tanner Sparkman and Taylor Sparkman all of Knoxville, Jon Sparkman and wife Libby, their children Ben Sparkman and Eli Sparkman all of Cleveland; sisters, Nancy Ann Sparkman Bell and husband Louis of Chattanooga and Sarah Aline Sparkman Davis and husband Thurston of Morrison; sisters-in-law, Betty Sparkman , Jeannette Hillis and Geneva Keathley; brother-in-law, George Oliphant; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jerry and Marise Keathley of Nashville; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Sparkman will be dearly missed by his family, friends and community. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 2, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Cleveland with the Reverend Lu Crandall and the Reverend Rusty Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in the Candies Creek Cemetery with Bucky Bancroft, Lee Bancroft, Paul Godfrey, Doyle Parmer, Billy Sparkman and Glen Allen serving as pallbearers. His family will receive friends from 5-9 p.m. Thursday at Fike Funeral Home. The family suggests that memorials may be made to: First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 3435 N. Ocoee St., Cleveland, TN 37312; the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society reference (www.lls.org) or the charity of choice. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Sparkman family guestbook at www.fikefh.com.