Richard Alan Sparks

Richard Alan Sparks, 60, of Matthews, died at Atrium Health in Pineville when he lost his battle with cancer on July 18, 2024. Richard was born in Middlesex County, Connecticut, on October 11, 1963, the son of Virgil Wayne and Sybil Irene Ceagle Sparks. The family moved to Charlotte, where Richard went on to attend Independence High School, and he has been in Charlotte since. Richard grew up with a father and mother with a “can do anything” mindset. He learned a lot about cars, cooking, plumbing, cleaning and carpentry. If something ever broke, it would have to be something major for it not to be repaired “in-house”. This led him to start his own business, “Sparks Repairs and Renovations”. Blessed with a talent for working with his hands, and having an older brother Jeffery as a partner in crime, Richard grew up a lover of things fast and loud. From bicycles to dirtbikes to cars, Richard loved the speed that went with them. And he didn’t just love to fly down the road, if he could build a ramp with whatever was lying around, he literally took to flight on his dirtbikes! In addition to this, he was a very big NASCAR fan and enjoyed all of that sports events that living in Charlotte provided. Richard really enjoyed it all. A lover of life adventures, he was always ready to go in search of the next adrenaline rush. Richard was also a people person. From family get togethers to hanging out with friends, Richard would love to spend time with the people he loved. He always tried to brighten everyone’s day and he will be sadly missed but remembered fondly with a smile by all who knew him. Richard is survived by his sister, Kris Sparks of New London, NC; his nephew Dale (wife Courtney) Belk; his aunt, Beverly (husband John) Butler; and cousins Gail, Van Ray (wife Pam) Lawing, Robin (husband Dane) Garrett, Gina, Lisa and Jan. Richard is further survived by numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Kim Belk; his brother, Jeff Sparks; and his fiance Kelly Smith. Richard’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for him and for them. A gathering honoring his life and celebrating his spirit will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, August 3, 2024, in the funeral home chapel. Friends are welcome to stay after the service to visit and share their favorite memories. To assist the family during this difficult time, please consider supporting them through an online donation. To do so, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/one-of-my-best-ever-brothers-please-know-he-was-so-special?qid=87dfb8229e0bf7886f905d036f7703ea Thank you for keeping the Sparks family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Richard Alan Sparks

October 11, 1963 - July 18, 2024