Obituary of Samuel George Sparks

It is with deepest sadness that the family of Samuel George Sparks shares the passing of our beloved son, brother, nephew, and grandson on Friday, February 17, 2023, with his parents by his side. Sam was born on December 27, 1996, in Geneva, Illinois. He will be remembered most for his big heart, a trait which revealed itself at an early age. Whether befriending and helping a special needs classmate in the third grade, adopting an abandoned, elderly cat from a shelter, or taking care of a flightless bird on the streets of Chicago, Sam’s compassionate heart endeared himself to others. That was Sammy — always thinking about those in our society that everyone else forgot. At the age of 10, Sammy’s creativity was expressed through a natural eye for the perfect camera shot. He took advantage of an opportunity to assist a local professional photographer and, over the years, used his gift to uniquely capture the delicate flutter of butterflies in motion, the intricate blossoms of spring flowers, or a rabbit wiggling its nose in a field. Sammy proved both curious and industrious when, at age 12, he constructed a personal computer with the help of his uncle. His entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity, even at nine years old, were showcased through his ability to identify resale and thrift items that would turn a profit on eBay. Sam’s love of a host of music genres provided a soundtrack for his life, but his “old soul” drew him to the likes of Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, and his favorite, The Beatles. At three years old, he precociously sang every word to “Eleanor Rigby” and “Love Me Do” and routinely played The Beatles station from his hospital bed this last year. Anyone who knew him appreciated Sam’s unique sense of humor. He admired comedians Chris Farley and John Belushi and would often quote his favorite movie, “The Blues Brothers” by saying, “We’re on a mission from God!” Even when he could no longer speak, “Scooter,” as he was affectionately called by friends, entertained everyone with his witty genius through both written word and gestures. Sammy often referenced his relationship with God and his personal “mission” brought him to Dallas, Texas in February 2022 as part of his choice for clean living and sobriety. After struggling with mental illness throughout his life, however, Sam spent what would be his final year in UT Southwestern Medical Center battling complications related to heroin addiction. He embraced the motto, “Let’s get ‘er done!” and bravely fought to become physically well. In the end, though, with a strong spirit, sound mind and God-changed heart, Sam courageously chose hospice in the midst of a weary physical body. Sam is survived by his parents, George Sparks, Jr. and Kristin (Robert) Floyd; his brother, Nathan Snyder; his grandmothers, Susan Sparks and June Stern; and his beloved aunts, Jennifer Sparks, Sarah (BJ) Branham, Laura (Mark) Graf, along with many beloved cousins. Sam was preceded in death by his grandfathers, George Sparks, Sr. and Robert Stern. The memorial service to celebrate Sam’s life will be held on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at 4:00 PM in Fort Worth at City On A Hill Church, 1140 Morrison Dr. Fort Worth, TX 76120. The tragic epidemic of heroin addiction is devastating to all who are touched by it, however Sam’s family knows that his death will not be in vain. Sam’s journey has already had a positive, meaningful impact and inspired the lives of those who knew him, along with those who had the privilege to meet him in his final year. Contributions in Sam’s memory may be made to T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Dallas, Texas or The Night Ministry, Chicago Illinois. Sam was fortunate and blessed to have been personally cared for by The Night Ministry during some difficult times in his life.