Billy C. Sparks, 83, of Lawrenceburg, retired Chief Master Sergeant with 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, passed away April 16, 2021 at the VA Health Care System in Lexington, KY.  Born Nov. 21, 1937 to the late Tanner Otley and Catherine Darnell Sparks in Gadberry in Adair County, KY.

Upon graduation from Russell County High School, Billy entered the US Air Force in June 1956.  During the next 9 months he completed the first and second phase of basic training, technical training and permanent part status in Texas and Illinois.  He then volunteered for a highly classified special assignment in the Strategic Air Command for 9 years during the Cold War era.  Those assignments were in Colorado, New Hampshire, Greenland, Arizona, California, and Indiana.  He was then assigned for 4½ years at Andrews AFB with the 89 ^th Special Missions Military Airlift Wing providing personal support to air crews of Air Force One and the other Presidential Aircraft fleet as well as ground support forces of the unit.  For that support, President Lyndon Johnson awarded the unit, including Chief Sparks, 3 Airforce Outstanding Unit Awards.  He was then based in Vietnam for 1 year with Headquarters Air Force Advisory Group for which service he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.  He was then based in Idaho for 9 months with the Tactical Air Command.  He was then assigned to Air Force Headquarters at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. for 14 years and for 7 years, he provided personal support to the director of Operation and staff, 7 years as Chief Executive Services Officer for the Deputy Chief of Staff, plans and operations and staff.  After service at the Pentagon, he retired on July 1, 1986 to his suburban Maryland home for 1 year.  Following that time he moved back to Kentucky following 31 years of service.

In addition to the previously named awards, he was awarded 2 meritorious service medals, 4 Air Force Commendation Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Senior NCO and NCO Academy ribbons, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and other medals and ribbons.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son Jeffrey Dale Sparks, four brothers, 26 year Air Force Veteran Master Sergeant Neil Sparks, 24 year retired Army Command Sergeant Major Phillip Sparks, and 3½ Air Force Veteran Airman Bunnie Edward Sparks, Kenneth Dale Sparks, and a sister Wanda Breeding.

He is survived by a son, Gary Sparks of Lawrenceburg, two sisters Linda (husband Roy) Stephens of Hodgenville and Kathy Coleman of Louisville, a daughter-in-law Teresa Sparks, 4 grandchildren Travis Sparks, Amber Sparks, Nathan Sparks, and Gena Sparks, great grandchildren Collette and Ryan Sparks, and great granddaughter Savanah June Sparks, and many friends and acquaintances.

Chief Sparks has chosen organ donation and cremation with no public services.  Memorials are suggested to any reputable veteran's organization and would be greatly appreciated.

Chief Sparks' family would like to thank all the doctors and staff at the VA Health Care System in Lexington, KY.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home.  Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.ritchieandpeach.com .