Billy Ray Sparks, Jr., age 40, of Wellston, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, August 1, at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe, Ohio. He was born June 22, 1981, in Ironton, Ohio. Billy graduated from Wellston High School with the class of 1999. Known to be a hard worker, good provider and an expert concrete person, Billy was employed as a foreman with Foor Construction in Columbus. Billy was also a jokester who loved to make everyone laugh and have a good time. He enjoyed go-cart racing, hunting, golfing, gardening, collecting rocks, fossil hunting and cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes. Even though he really couldn’t carry a tune, Billy loved having fun singing karaoke. Above all, he was a family man and enjoyed the time spent with his family, especially his children and dog, Chewy.
Billy is survived by his father, Billy Ray Sparks, Sr. of Jackson; mother and step-father, Ethel Mae (Kinstler) and Bill Stapleton of Ironton; children, Bradley Sparks of Hamden, Shamira Sparks of Jackson, Victoria Matthews of Columbus and Patience Stump and Aaron Stump, both of Wellston; fiancé, Misty Stump of Wellston; sister, Malisa Carpenter (Scott) of Wellston; niece and nephews, Scott Carpenter, Jr., Kaitlyn Carpenter and Brayden Carpenter, all of Wellston; aunt, Lydia McGlone of Ironton; along with several cousins and a host of friends. Billy was preceded in death by his brother, Johnny Sparks; grandparents, Frank and Mary Kinstler and John and Mary Sparks; along with several aunts and uncles.
Calling hours will be Saturday, August 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Funeral service will follow the calling hours at 2 p.m. with Pastor Tim Jones officiating. Burial will be in the Salem Cemetery. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.