Final Salute

Benjamin Earl Sparks, 79, of Franklin, Tennessee, passed away September 2nd, 2025. He was born on August 19, 1946, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to Earl Wilson and Nella Ruth Sparks.

Ben graduated from Central High School in Knoxville Tennessee in 1964. He proudly served his country, going on active duty with the U.S. Navy on October 10, 1967. He was based in Gulfport, Mississippi, as part of the Navy Seabees—Mobile Construction Battalion 133. After training in Gulfport, at Keesler Air Force Base, and at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, his battalion was deployed to Phu Bai, Vietnam in April 1968.

In October 1966, Ben met the love of his life, Patricia “Patti” Sparks. They began their journey together in Knoxville, Tennessee, where their first child, Benje, was born in 1968. Patti supported Ben and the new family during his service overseas. Ben graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1970. Their daughter, Katie, was born in 1971 in Knoxville, and after several moves—including Cleveland TN, Chattanooga TN, Columbus OH and Brentwood TN where their family finally settled and had their third child, Andy, and built a warm and faithful home. Ben and Patti moved to Franklin, TN after Ben’s retirement.

When the family moved to Brentwood, Ben and Patti joined Brentwood United Methodist Church. There, Ben served faithfully as an usher and was a devoted member of the Joyful Noise Sunday School Class. He also played a key role in the formation of the Brentwood High School Bruins Club, supporting the school and its students during and after its opening.

Ben built a successful career with A.E. Finley and Associates, WW Williams Company, and Power Equipment Company, where he retired.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patti; his parents; and his sister, Marsha DePriest. Ben is survived by his three children, Benjamin Jay Edward Sparks (Christine), Katheryn Montgomery Weaver (Gannon), and Andrew Wesley Sparks; and his cherished grandchildren, Gannon Emory Weaver II, Charleston Joseph “C.J.” Lane Weaver, Mason Edward Sparks, Garrett Montgomery Sparks, and McKenna Adeline Sparks. Nephew, Scott Hopson; great niece, Drew Hopson and great nephew, Devin Hopson.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 1:00–2:30 p.m. in the Chapel Narthex at Brentwood United Methodist Church, 309 Franklin Road, Brentwood, Tennessee. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Chapel. There will be a reception that follows. Interment will take place at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Ben will be remembered for his love of family, his faith, his service, his friendships and his unwavering dedication to community

An online guestbook is available at AustinFuneralService.com 615-377-0775.