Ronnie "Earp" Steven Sparks, 70, of Shelby, passed away on Monday, August 9, 2021 at his home.

Born in Cleveland County, on November 21, 1950, he was a son of the late Lester Sparks and Vada Brackett Sparks.

He was a retired carpenter but his great love was making hay and tending his cows. Earp had steady routine with visiting the sale barn every Tuesday, cards with friends on Thursday and auctions on Saturdays. Other times you could find him sitting on the bench outside of Buck Savers there in Polkville or loving on his little grandbabies.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by five brothers, Garland Sparks, Ralph Sparks, Bobby Sparks, Leonard Sparks and Johnny Sparks.

He is survived by his wife of thirty three years, Jean Watts Sparks, three children, Christopher Sparks and wife Katie of Shelby, Stephanie Houser and Jason Bailey of Shelby and Rhonda Sparks of Belmont three brothers, Hugh Lee Sparks of Polkville, Roy Lee Sparks of Lattimore, and Kenny Sparks of Shelby; sister Dorothy McDaniel of Kings Mountain and six grandchildren, Easton Freeman, Kimber Sparks, Kaycee Sparks, Summie Houser, Jake Bailey and Brittany Stroupe.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 13, 2021, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home of Christopher & Katie Sparks, 3015 Polkville Road, Shelby, NC 28150.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Big Springs Baptist Church with the Rev. Paul Scott and Rev. Jim Richardson officiating.

The burial will follow the service in the Big Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Big Springs Baptist Church Children's Fund, 534 Big Springs Church Rd, Ellenboro, NC 28040.

A guest register is available at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., Fallston, NC.