John Russell Sparks, age 63, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away on Oct. 13, 2025, at a local hospital. He was born on May 5, 1962, in Stuttgart. His family later settled in Nashville, Ark.
John was a respected Master Electrician and an OSHA Health & Environmental Professional. He built a solid life marked by both hard work and a great attitude. He opened his business, Sparks Electric, in 1995 in Nashville, which he maintained until 2018. After moving to Hot Springs with the love of his life, God blessed him with a new career path that allowed him to share his extensive expertise as an electrical safety instructor. With this opportunity, John appeared to find his calling. He truly enjoyed educating and interacting with his students and it was reciprocated. His ability to relate real life experiences with the material he was teaching was not only educational but engaging. He had a wonderful sense of humor that he would mix into everything he did, including his instruction classes. He also held a true passion for learning and continued this throughout his life.
John was an extremely devoted and caring husband to Gwen, his wife of 27 years. Together they created a home filled with faith and laughter. John’s faith in Christ was central to who he was, and he carried that faith into every part of his life. His deep love for his family was easily evident and he deeply cherished his 9 grandchildren who lovingly called him “Pappy”.
John, sometimes known as “Sparky”, never met a stranger or a plate of spicy food he didn’t want to try or challenge others to do the same. He grew his own hot peppers and had a genuine gift for cooking. He thoroughly enjoyed grilling outdoors and fellowshipping with his family and friends. John also loved spending time on the lake and also the anticipated trips to the beach each summer.
John was preceded in death by his father, John Stanley Sparks; his stepfather, Patrick O’Bryant; and his nephew, Ryan Sillavan.
Those left to cherish his memory include: his mother, Sue O’Bryant; his loving wife of 27 years, Gwen Sparks; a son, Russell Sparks and wife Ashley; three daughters, Kayla Jones and husband Kyle, Heather Sparks and fiancé, Jared, and Kayla Gail Temple and husband Hunter; nine grandchildren with another on the way, Konner Jones, Regan Goodman, Jackson Sparks, Gabbi Goodman, Kollin Jones, Hunter Sparks, Nate Temple, Samuel Temple and Anna Grace Temple; one sister, Nell Sillavan and husband Richard and one stepsister, Mandy Trevillion and husband Chad; a host of nieces and nephews, and numerous other friends and family.
Services will be held, Monday, Oct. 20th at 2 p.m. at Hot Springs Baptist Church, with Bro. Glen Greene and Bro. Mike Smith officiating, under the direction of Gross Funeral Home in Hot Springs. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. prior to the service. Burial to follow at Hot Springs Memorial Gardens.
Pall Bearers: Jimmy Carver, Kirk Echols, Mark Dowdy, Robert Womack, Tyler Dove, Trace Hamilton.
Hon. Pall Bearers: Richard Sillavan, Mike Reid, Chuck Champagne, Mike Milum, Wes Belk.
