POWDERLY – Samuel James Sparks, 70, of Powderly, passed away Monday, April 28, 2025 surrounded by loving family. Born December 2, 1954 in Greenville. After graduating from Central City High School in 1973, where he played basketball for his beloved Golden Tide, he continued his education and basketball career at Belmont College with his teammate and life-long friend Tommy Eades. He taught history, health, and physical education for 33 years in Muhlenberg County, where he coached girls’ basketball at Muhlenberg Central, boys’ basketball at Greenville, and girls’ and boys’ basketball at Muhlenberg South. After retirement, he continued to serve as a mentor and assistant coach on benches throughout the whole region. His love for basketball was rivaled only by his love for people, foremost being his wife of 50 years, Kathy, and the family that they shared. His greatest joy was getting to be “Gaga” to his grandchildren, who he cheered on in every aspect of life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jackie and Grant Taylor Sparks; grandparents, Kenneth and Vera Ferrell Sparks and George T. and Virginia Stringer Taylor; and nephew, Blake Sparks.
Survivors include his wife, Kathy Willis Sparks; daughter, Laura (Jeremy) Vincent and Jacklyn (Jonathan) Murphy; grandchildren, Myles Murphy, Izzy Murphy, Lincoln Vincent, Sam Vincent, and Amelia Murphy; brothers, Taylor (Denise) Sparks, Steve (Missy) Sparks, and Jeff (Ginger) Sparks; many beloved nieces and nephews; and all his players, students, co-workers, and friends that he embraced into his heart and family.
Funeral services will be Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the old Central City High School Gym (Central City Convention Center), with Reverend Laura Sparks Vincent officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will begin Friday from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday from 9-10:30 a.m. in the old Central City High School Gym (Central City Convention Center).
The family requests contributions to the Sam Sparks Scholarship Fund in lieu of flowers. Contributions may be made to the Sam Sparks Scholarship Fund, c/o Farmers Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 191, Greenville, KY 42345. Envelopes will be available at visitation. Tucker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.
