Floyd Sparks, Jr. – 1948-2024

Floyd Harold Sparks was born in El Dorado, Arkansas on July 9, 1948, as the second child of
Willie Sr. and Florida Sparks. He was raised alongside his siblings in the vibrant South End of
Little Rock where he enjoyed the rich and diverse community life, making lifelong friends and
memories.

His early spiritual life was spent attending church at Liberty Hill Baptist Church and St. Phillips
Episcopal Church. Later in life he attended Hunter United Methodist Church with his wife of 45
years, Denise Sparks.

Floyd attended Gibbs Elementary School, Dunbar Junior High School, and Horace Mann High
School where he enjoyed industrial arts classes and participated in the school band playing
tenor saxophone. Upon graduating in 1966, he attended Arkansas AM&N, later called the
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff to pursue a degree in history. His interest in history and
government would later lead him to a career as a civil servant for the State of Arkansas with
over 25 years of service in social work and management of health care fraud investigations. His
ability to navigate the complex web of bureaucracy with skill and integrity earned him respect
and admiration of colleagues across local, state and federal agencies.

During school breaks in college, Floyd worked alongside his father at Winrock Farm. It was
there under his father’s tutelage that he cultivated a passion for the service industry that would
stay with him throughout his life. He often spoke fondly about the camaraderie and
experiences he had at the farm on Petit Jean Mountain.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Floyd found joy and fulfillment in family life. He married
his beloved wife, Denise, in 1978, and together they shared the blessings of two children, Tava
and Justin. Floyd’s love for his family knew no bounds, and he cherished the time spent in their
company.

In his leisure time, Floyd enjoyed baseball, football and attending the horse races at Oaklawn
Racetrack. He also enjoyed traveling both near and far, as he loved new experiences and
creating lasting memories with his loved ones. His culinary talents were legendary among
friends and family, with his barbecue and secret sauce bringing joy and laughter to countless
gatherings.

As Floyd illness progressed in his later years, he was surrounded by the love and support of
those who cherished him. On the morning of February 5, 2024, Floyd Harold Sparks bid farewell
to this world, leaving behind cherished memories that will be forever in the hearts of his wife,
children, family, and friends. Though his physical presence may be gone, Floyd’s spirit lives on in
the hearts of all who were touched by his kindness and humor.

Floyd was preceded in death by his brothers, Samuel Sparks and Willie Sparks, Jr. (Marion) and
his sister, Noveta Renee Sparks Watkins (Clyde).

Surviving Relatives include: Wife, Denise Sparks of Little Rock, Arkansas; children, Tava Sparks
of Avondale Estates, Georgia, Justin Sparks (Erica) of Tucker, Georgia; One sister, Gloria Finney
of Fremont, California; Brothers Theodore Sparks of Atlanta, Georgia, Antonio Sparks of San
Francisco, California, and William Sparks (Carla) of Little Rock, Arkansas; Nephews, Theodore,
Theodore, Jr., and Sam Sparks; Nieces, Shirley Hodges, Alethea Lee, Monique Lee, and a host of
other loving family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to:

Horace Mann Class of 1966
P.O. Box 1006
Little Rock, AR 72203-1006