Marvin Franklin Sparks

Listen to this obituary

Mr. Marvin Franklin Sparks, 76, died Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. in Oxford Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:30 P.M. until 1:30 P.M. at Waller Funeral Home in Oxford, Mississippi.

Marvin was born on May 5, 1948, in Lafayette County, Mississippi, to the late Loda Singletary Sparks and Hulon Franklin Sparks. He served in the National Guard and Reserves for 14 years. A retired minister, Marvin served as Pastor of St. Paul Independent Methodist Church in Oxford, where he led his congregation to deepen their faith and knowledge of the Lord. He was a lifelong student of the Bible, devoting many hours to reading the word and preparing his sermons. A devoted fan of Ole Miss, Marvin worked for The University of Mississippi for many years as the manager of the sign shop. During their many years in the Oxford community, Marvin was a member of the Oxford Jaycees and past Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star.

After his retirement from ministry, Marvin and his wife, Sarah, were drawn to Foley, Alabama by their love of the coast. They enjoyed many day trips to Gulf Shores, soaking up the sun and quality time together. Their worlds were made whole with the addition of their granddaughter, Elizabeth. Marvin would go out of his way to make her laugh or bring a smile to her face. He and Sarah spoiled her with all the love in the world, creating special memories of yearly Easter egg hunts and spontaneous trips to mini golf. In addition to his parents, Marvin was preceded in death by his son, Ken Sparks.

Marvin is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Sarah Sparks of Foley, AL; son, Timothy Sparks and his wife, Sharon, of Houston, TX; brother, Ricky Sparks and his wife, Charlsie, of Vardaman, MS; aunt, Cladie Smith and her husband, Bill, of Jackson, TN; granddaughter, Cathleen Elizabeth Sparks Bacon and her husband, David, of New Columbia, PA; and great-grandchildren, Derrek Bacon and Charlisse Bacon.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Marvin’s memory may be made to Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, Inc, 800 Avery Drive, Suite 100, Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157.