Michael David Sparks

“Psalms 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Though preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

Michael David Sparks, 76, of Church Hill, Tennessee passed away on October 15, 2026, in the Philippines. Born in Clifton Springs, New York on July 10, 1950, a son of the late Arnold Foster Sparks II and Virginia Ruth Morrow Sparks, Michael graduated from Marcus Whitman High School in 1968; he graduated /attended University of Southern California and military schools and various FAA schools and training. He was a veteran of Vietnam War having served in the U.S. Air Force. He worked for Federal Aviation Administration as electronic technician, and in program management. He was a member of Seniors Golf League of Upper East Tennessee.

As a Vietnam veteran, he struggled, battled with depression and PTSD because of serving in Vietnam War. He lived his life for the last 40 years in high spirit, humor, perseverance and resilience. He is generous with his time, know how or expertise and loved to help people. He loved to read, travel, cook, woodworking, planting vegetables and was an avid golfer. He loved to listen to classical and country music. He was a fan of Elvis Presley. He also listened to music of Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Garth Brooks and Leah Salonga. He kept himself occupied with things he loved to do. Things we enjoyed doing together like travel. He was my everything, from everything I need to get done at home, driving, being with me to everywhere, anytime I need or want to go including shopping and medical appointments. He is my knight in shining armor. My savior. We really went thru life together for “better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health.”

In addition to his parents, Michael is preceded in death by his brothers, Arnold Sparks III, Alan Sparks, Daniel Sparks; his sisters, Virginia Grace, Penelope Sparks, Mistelle Morrison, Rebecca Sparks and Deborah Sparks.

He is survived by his wife, Nelia Duabe Sparks; his sister, Lorinda Brinkman; brothers, Andrew Sparks and Matthew Sparks; his sons, David, Dale and Darren Sparks; his grandchildren, Connor, Caleb and Emily Sparks; his daughters-in-law, Sara and Dana Sparks; sister-in-law, Margaret Frisbee Sparks; brother-in-law, Jerald (Jerry) Brinkman; nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces and cousins in Tennessee.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, November 27, 2026, at 12:15pm at the Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. Inurnment of his ashes will be held after the Celebration of Life at 2pm in Mountain Home National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers those wishing may make memorial contribution or charitable donation in Michael’s memory to any of the following: Tunnel to Towers, Samaritan’s Purse, Wounded Warrior Project, Uptown Optimist Club of Great Falls, Montana and St. Dominic Catholic Church of Kingsport.

I would like to thank the following people for helping me. My family in the Philippines, Duabe Family, who spent time and helped me with anything I needed including emotional support and staying at the wake (viewing) everyday, 24 hours vigil. Special thank you to my brother Rodrigo (Bong) and sister-in-law Irene Peret for taking care of me every day, helping me get thru with all the bureaucracy, getting all legal and necessary documents to go home and all the phone calls needed to be made and for making me safe while in the country, for taking care of Dale and Darren while in the Philippines; to all my siblings, nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews who kept me company; to Dale Sparks for going with me to the U.S. Embassy; to our neighbor Mark who watched over our home and our yard while we were gone. Thank you to Ana Clarisa for keeping me company and Judy Pomeroy for ongoing emotional support and for going to places, offices I needed to go. Thank you to all the people who spent time and helped me during this difficult time.