Charles E. Sparkman, age 82 of Burgaw passed away Tuesday January 20, 2015 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice after a long battle with cancer.
He was born February 14, 1932 in the Ashton community of Pender County, son of the late Preston and Jennie Mae McLendon Sparkman. He was also predeceased by his first wife Benji Sparkman; brothers P L Sparkman and Arthur Sparkman; and sister Martha Shields.

He is survived by his wife Ruth Ruddell Sparkman; son Preston Sparkman and wife Janae of Tampa, FL; grandchildren Ashton and Ethan; brothers Carlisle and Kaywood Sparkman; stepson Leno Morero and wife Heidi of Phoenix, AZ.
Charles graduated from Burgaw High School in 1951 and was an alumni of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving honorably in the United States Army. He was employed by the Atlantic Coast Line for several years.

Charles then lived in Florida for 30 years where he Co-owned and operated City Ready Mix of Plant City Florida. He was Chairman of the Board of Florida Concrete and Products Association. He was honored by the Florida Concrete Association in June 1988 for membership by the Board, where he served as Director with honor and distinction. Charles and his family returned to his beloved Burgaw after retirement, where he served the Town of Burgaw as Commissioner from 1995 until 2007. He was a member of Burgaw Presbyterian Church, also an avid hunter and fisherman and a member of Burgaw Hunting Club for many years.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Saturday January 24, 2015 at Burgaw Presbyterian Church. Reverend Will Davis and Reverend Dr. Ray Mendenhall will officiate. Burial will follow in the Burgaw Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday 6-7:30 pm at Harrell's Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.harrellsfh.com.
Flowers are welcome and memorial contributions can be made to Burgaw Presbyterian Church, PO Box 565 Burgaw, NC 28425 or Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1406 Physicians Dr. Wilmington, NC 28401