Dennis O. Sparks

Dennis O. Sparks, age 71, died Sunday, November 18, at his home. A Blount County native and a 1959 graduate of Maryville High School, he was preceded in death by his parents, Olan and Mary Charles Sparks and daughter-in-law, Melissa Sparks. Survivors include wife of 34 years, Adele K. Sparks; children, Angie (Phil) Menken, Dennis Sparks, Jr., Chris Conner, Bo (Treva) Conner and Adele Conner; grandchildren, David and Olivia Blankenbeckler, Britany and Joe (Tiffany) Menken, Megan, Carmen and Christopher (Kimberly) Conner, and Misty Daniels and 10 great grandchildren. A man of many accomplishments, his 8 year employment with NASA in Titusville, FL and a 42 year career with ORNL, Oak Ridge, in Research and Development enabled him to be a part of history and amazing technology discoveries. Dennis was a 35 year member of Civil Air Patrol as an air rescue pilot, and achieved the rank of Colonel during his tenure as Tennessee Wing Commander. He was a life-long ham radio operator, call sign Wb4nbe. Other hobbies included photography, pontoon boating, travel, volunteering for Alzheimers, TN Association (where he took great pride serving as Grill Master of the annual Foothills Memory Walks each fall at Maryville College), and giving unconditional love and support to his extended family and friends. Visitation will be held Friday, November 23rd at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home from 5-7:00 p.m. A graveside service will be conducted by Rev. Jeff Wadley at Old Mt. Tabor Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 24th. The funeral procession will depart McCammon-Ammons-Click at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to Alzheimers TN Association, 2270 Sutherland Avenue, Suite 202, Knoxville, TN 37919. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, Maryville 982-6812 www.mccammonammonsclick.com