Rick Sparkman

Rick "Plum Crazy" Sparkman, age 61, of Franklin, passed away unexpectedly on March 30, 2022.

He was born July 26, 1960 in Ironton, Ohio to the late Roy Lee and Carrie (Sparks) Sparkman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Eugene Gillam and his step-son Levi Bresher.

Rick is survived by his wife Cheryl (Karns) Sparkman, his children Joshua Michels, Dustin (Amy) Karns, Rickie (Samantha) Sparkman, Nickie (Ryan) Cross; his grandchildren, Abigail Spitler, Lexi Bresher, Gabby Michels, Gage Michels, Madilynn Karns, Emileigh Wetzel, Olivia Carr, Owen Carr, Hannah Sparkman, and Holly Sparkman. He is also survived by his beloved dogs Autumn, Holly and Diesel, his mother-in-law Carol Braughton"aka his special girlfriend"; his siblings Barbara Harden Sawyers, Connie (Leroy) Sawyers, Tommy (Tina) Sparkman, Kathy (Tim) Sparkman, Vanessa "Jill" Hunnewell; his special cousin Harold Sparkman, along with several nieces, nephews, many trucker and derby friends.

Rick loved everything about being a Truck Driver. He was known as a "walking atlas and GPS" because could give directions to anywhere.
Rick enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson trike, going to demolition derbies and truck shows, and fishing with his son Rickie. He loved racing go carts with his family.

Rick never knew a stranger and easily made many friends across the country. He was well known in the trucker community. He had a heart of gold and would give anyone the shirt off his back. Rick will always be remembered for his love of his family and for being a great story teller. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by many.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 10, 2022 from 12:00 pm until time of service at 2:00 pm at Newcomer Kettering Chapel, 3940 Kettering Blvd.

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