Kenny Sparks passed away peacefully on May 7th, 2025, at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. He was the son of the late Gay and Thula Jones Sparks. He was also preceded in death by an infant sister, Jerelean Sparks.
Kenny graduated from East Yancey High School in 1960 and continued his education at Appalachian State Teachers College where he received his B.S. in 1964. In 1972, he received his M.A. from Appalachian State University. One of Kenny’s most cherished educational achievements was his completion of the Principals Executive Program at UNC Chapel Hill in 1990. As a die-hard Carolina Tarheels fan, he was thrilled to spend time on the Carolina campus. He thoroughly enjoyed his studies there and the people he met, and was so proud to tell people that he had studied at Carolina.
In 1964, Kenny began a career in education that spanned almost 40 years. His first teaching job was at Bowman High School as a teacher of math and science. After two years at Bowman, he went on to teach math and science at East Yancey High School, and then to serve as principal at South Toe Elementary School. He finished his career at East Yancey Middle School where he was the principal for 26 years.
As a principal, Kenny put his heart into making school a successful and enjoyable experience for students, faculty, and staff. He was a firm believer that a strong academic program was the backbone of a good school, but he never neglected sports, the arts, trades, and extra-curricular activities that he considered important to a good educational program. He expected everyone to work hard and do their best, and he did the same. He was not above scrubbing and waxing floors and working long hours to keep the school in good order. The school motto was “Each Youth Must Succeed”, and his goal was for every student to get the best education possible while having fun along the way.
He was a member of Windom United Methodist Church where he served as men’s Sunday school teacher for several years. He was both a volunteer and co-chair of the Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair and a leader of the Yancey County Youth League. He received the 4H District Volunteer Leader Award and Mayland Community College’s Distinguished Service Award for his service to the community. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #717 and Scottish Rite Valley of Asheville.
For most of his adult life, Kenny was an avid golfer. After he lost his vision, he never missed an opportunity to listen to his beloved Carolina Tarheels, Yankees, and Mountain Heritage Cougars on his indispensable Alexa device. After the games, he enjoyed rehashing the action in phone conversations with Mike Banks, Ronnie Kates, Gary Sparks, and his son, Scott.
Kenny is survived by his wife, Judy; his children: Stephen and wife, Tammy, and Scott and wife, Brandy; and grandson, Caleb. Sisters-in-law, Gwen Harris and Janice Mattox, and brother-in-law, Carter Mattox also survive, as well as nephews, Baron and Landon Mattox, and their families. Kenny’s life was blessed by two special caregivers: Maude Silvers and Rhonda Miller. He also leaves behind many cousins and friends.
Funeral services will begin with visitation from 5 until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13th, followed by the funeral service at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Service. Pastor Toni Poppy and Speaker Niles Howell will officiate. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14th in Pete Young Cemetery.
The family extends their appreciation to Compassionate Care WNC for their excellent care of Kenny in his final days. Memorial donations may be made to Compassionate Care WNC, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
