William Blake Sparkman

William Blake Sparkman, 86, of Plano, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026. He was born on October 3, 1939, in Emhouse, Texas, to David William and Sarah Lee Sparkman. William grew up in Corsicana, Texas, where his parents instilled in him a strong foundation of faith in Jesus Christ—one that guided him throughout his life. He attended Corsicana High School, graduating in 1957, where he proudly played football for the Corsicana Tigers as a guard, lineman, and team captain. His discipline, leadership, and quiet strength were evident even in those early years. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Houston in 1963, followed by a Master of Business Administration in 1969. William also honorably served his country as a Specialist Four in the Texas National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1965. On September 15, 1962, William married the love of his life, Frances Ann Barton, in Baytown, Texas. Together, they shared 63 years of marriage marked by devotion, faith, and steadfast love. William enjoyed a long and successful career with General Electric Credit Corporation, retiring after decades of dedicated service. Known for his outstanding financial aptitude, he was a humble and reliable provider who approached his work—and his life—with integrity and quiet confidence. He was a man of deep character: faithful to his family, gentle in spirit, and steady in presence. William had a lifelong thirst for knowledge, was an avid reader and history buff, and was known for his dry sense of humor and sharp wit. He found comfort and joy in Southern gospel music and sacred hymns. One of his most cherished childhood memories was his beloved dog, Fuzzy. Even in later years, his face would light up at the mere mention of Fuzzy’s name—a small but telling reflection of his tender heart. William was preceded in death by his parents, David William and Sarah Lee Sparkman, and his brother, Allen Lee Sparkman. He is survived by his beloved wife, Frances Ann Barton Sparkman; his daughter, Tracianne Sparkman of Carrollton, Texas; and his sister, June Sparkman Harper of Houston, Texas. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Distinctive Life, located at 1611 N. Central Expressway, Plano, Texas 75075. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Distinctive Life Chapel. Graveside services will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association or the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. “The ones we love never truly leave us — they simply go ahead to the place where we’ll meet again.”

William Blake Sparkman

October 3, 1939 - January 19, 2026