Wade Kendall Sparkman

McMinnville, TN resident and Warren County, TN native Wade Kendall Sparkman, was born on September 7, 1946 and passed away at his home on January 29, 2023 following an extended illness.

He was preceded in death by parents, Charlie Ryan and Gladys Hazel Montandon Sparkman; grandparents, James Monroe and Nancy Ann Chambers Sparkman and Royal Lee and Bertie Louella Romans Montandon; brothers, Charles, Duane, Larry and Bobby Sparkman and sisters, Vennita Koenig and Judy Carruth.

Wade was married to the love of his life, Violet Davis, on June 19, 1965. In addition to his wife he is survived by daughters, Tracy Michelle (Tony) Neal and Donna Denise (John Thomas "Tommy") Evans; son, Daniel Wade (Christie) Sparkman; brother, Kenneth Dale Sparkman; grandchildren, Brandon (Kayla) Evans, Samantha Evans Cawley, Anicette (Chase) Alford and Alissa (Riley) Reagan; great-grandchildren, Peyton Evans, Pailey Evans, Rylan Evans, Ariya Cawley and Ellie Reagan and numerous nieces and nephews.

Wade was a member of North Warren Church of Christ.

He served in the Army from 1963-1966 during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Hawaii, where he served as the personal driver for President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Once an avid spelunker, which he referred to as “caving”, he was often called upon to explore newly discovered caves and to assist in the rescues when someone became trapped inside a cave.

He loved to volunteer his time to his community. Woodworking was his passion and he could build just about anything. In his later years his attention turned to restoring his ’55 Chevy. He sometimes entered it into car shows, but more often Wade and Violet would take rides together in it.

Wade loved his family above all else. Trips to the Smokies together was his favorite and he also enjoyed drinking coffee with his friends each morning.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 2, 2023 in High’s Chapel with Mark Parkhurst officiating. Burial will follow at Brick House Cemetery in Rowland Station. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at High Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.