Willie Sparkman

On Sept 14, 1942 William �Big� Sparkman was born to the late George and Annie Sparkman in McComb, MS. The third of nine children, he was extremely clever. He started driving at the age of eleven and began working at the age of 13 at a dairy farm. He left school in the fifth grade to provide for his family. In June 19, 1972 he was united in matrimony with Glenda Joyce Everette. He was 28 she was 18. To this union five children were born. He also fathered four other children. He was instrumental in raising his first two grandsons, Rico Brown and Tevin Brown. At an early age Willie took an interest in Construction work where he later mastered the skill of tying steele and finishing concrete. During this time it was uncommon for a black man to tie steel, but Willie excelled. He helped to build the Old Biloxi Hospital, the Windjammer Condominiums and the Royal Gulf Aparments just to name a few. He later opened his own concrete finishing company where he regularly employed between 5 - 12 people. He taught his son and son-in-laws the art of tying steel. He enjoyed fishing, working on cars and spending time with his �grandboys.� He was a real �Paw-Paw� to his grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by his parents, George and Annie Sparkman, daughter, Tonya Berry, four brothers, George Sparkman II, Randolph Sparkman, Ottis Byrd Sparkman, Jakie Sparkman and two sisters, Mattie Lee Perkins and Dorothy Jean Wiggins and one niece, Glenda Alexander. He leaves to cherish his memory Ms.Glenda Sparkman loving referred to as his Old Lady, daughters, Sherry Martin, Ingrid Preston, Oona Dickey, Keron Williams, and Amies Sparkman; three sons, Derrick Barnes, Clintard Sparkman and Sidney Cooper; one sister, Deloris Sandifer and two brothers Clintard �Pete� Sparkman and Herman Sparkman; 18 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and a host of other family and special friends. Services will be held Saturday, December 1, 2012 at New Community Baptist Church in Biloxi with visitation from 11:00AM to noon and service beginning at noon. The family of Mr. Willie "Big" Sparkman has entrusted his care to the staff of RICHMOND-AUGUST FUNERAL HOME.