Wood Thompson "Tommy" Sparks

Funeral Services celebrating the life of Wood T. Sparks, 72, of Monroe will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at Grace Episcopal Church with The Rev. Michael J. Bordelon officiating. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home in Monroe, Louisiana. The family will receive friends in Kilbourne Hall at Grace Episcopal Church, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., on Tuesday, May 15th.

Tommy died Saturday, May 12, 2018, surrounded by his family at his residence. He was born in Monroe on August 4, 1945, to James D. and Lillie “Thompson” Sparks. Tommy was a 1963 graduate of Neville High School, where he played for both the 1962 and 1963 State Football Championship Teams and was selected as All-State Player. Tommy was offered numerous football scholarships but decided to pursue his studies at Washington and Lee University. He graduated from W&L in 1967, LSU Law School in 1971, and Georgetown University where he completed his Masters of Law in 1973. He was a member of the Order of the Coif, Phi Kappa Phi, and Phi Delta Phi Honor Societies. He was also Associate Editor of the LSU Law Review. While enrolled at Washington and Lee, Tommy was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Tommy loved his country and proudly served in the United States Marine Reserves.

After working for the United States Justice Department in Washington, D.C., Tommy returned to Monroe and joined Thompson, Sparks and Cudd law firm in 1973. In 1979, he joined the Greater Ouachita Water Company Board of Directors and later served as the board president. During his tenure, he helped numerous areas receive service and he assisted with increased growth in Ouachita Parish. His dedicated leadership to the citizens of Ouachita Parish was evident in his daily work. Tommy was active in the ministries of Grace Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana, as well as numerous service organizations.

Mr. Sparks was preceded in death by his parents. Tommy is survived by his wife and best friend of over 40 years, Susan Smith Sparks; daughter Elizabeth Sparks McQueen and her husband Philip; daughter Jennifer Carter Sparks; daughter Susie Sparks Lefebvre and her husband Richard; grandchildren Sarah Thompson McQueen, “Meme” Mary Elizabeth McQueen and “Tommy” Thompson Anthony Lefebvre; brother James Dilling Sparks, Jr. and his wife Frances; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tommy was a man of many accomplishments, but to him, his most important accomplishment was his family. There was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was one of the most selfless, generous men one would meet and a person of true integrity with impeccable character. He fought a long battle and kept his sense of humor to the end. He touched the lives of many, and we are all better people because of him and the life he led.

Pallbearers will be George Dean, Hugh McDonald, Steve Mintz, Jay Morris, Charles Taylor, and Barry Webb.

The family expresses their gratitude to all of those who have helped us during Tommy’s journey.

Memorials may be made to Grace Episcopal Church in Monroe, LA, The Camp Hardtner, Joe Bordelon Scholarship Fund, 2393 Camp Hardtner Road, Pollock, LA 71467, or to the charity of your choice.

Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com
Mulhearn Funeral Home
Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA