Stephen "Steve" Jay Sparks

Stephen Jay (Steve) Sparks, 67, of Harkers Island, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 19th, 2026, from complications of ALS.

Visitation with the family will be held at 1:00 p.m. followed by a celebration of life service at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 28th, at Munden Funeral Home, 2112 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC, officiated by the Rev. Lee Pittard and the Rev. Patrick Whaley. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website.

Steve was a loving and devoted husband, father, big brother, and friend, whose greatest pride and joy were his two sons and beautiful granddaughters.

Steve was born on May 15, 1958, in Killen, Texas, to Frank and Jewel Sparks. The family returned to Rocky Mount, NC shortly after his birth where he spent the majority of his childhood. He attended Lees McCrae College and NC State University.

He was predeceased by his father, Frank J. Sparks, his mother, Jewel Pearce Britt, and step-father Henry Mayo Britt, Junior.

Steve is survived by his wife “Kimberly Anne” of 47 years; son Joseph (Alyson) and their daughter Sutton Grace; son Adam (Crystal) and their daughters Gracelynn and Ashtynn; his sisters Marti Sparks Brown (Chris) and Jill Sparks Hilliard (Wink); nephews Britt Brown (Audrey), Hunter Brown (fiancée Sydney Hill), and William Pittman; niece Grey Pittman; and brother-in-law Andy Lockamy (Patricia) and their children Courtney, Michael, and Erin.

Steve spent his professional life in facilities management at NC Wesleyan College, Louisburg College, and retired as Vice-President of Facilities and Operations at Carteret Community College. At each of these colleges, Steve always gave one hundred percent of himself to tackle every challenge before him, often with limited resources, in order to leave things better than he found them.

As the dad of two very active boys, Steve found great joy in helping them pursue their interests of football, baseball, soccer, and golf. Steve spent many years on the field coaching youth sports, and touched the lives of many young athletes. Helping others develop their skills, knowledge, and love of the game was always the priority for Steve.

Steve also loved spending time outdoors in God’s beautiful creation with his sons. They enjoyed deer and duck hunting, whether on the family farm or at Brinkleyville Hunting Club, where Steve was a member for more than 30 years. If he wasn’t hunting, it was always time to go fishing. Steve loved being on the water; whether offshore or inshore, he was always game for either. Often the friends of Joseph and Adam could be found hunting and fishing with Steve as well. Steve was passionate about sharing his knowledge of the outdoors with others.

Steve’s love of fishing, and of the serenity of being on the water, is why he wanted to live on the coast. Practically every weekend (unless it was hunting season), for the past 25+ years, Steve spent his time at Harkers Island. He loved this island and the peacefulness he felt when he was here. It also brought many new and wonderful friends into his life. Before his illness, he was able to fulfill his dream of building a home and officially becoming a Harkers Island resident. Although ultimately he could not enjoy his Harkers Island home in the way he had planned, he was so happy to be here.

Steve showed remarkable courage and strength in his battle with ALS over the last 23 months, never allowing it to defeat him or his spirit. With each progression of the disease Steve would always identify a new plan for how things could be managed; he was a natural born problem solver.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in Steve’s honor be made to ALS United North Carolina, 3733 National Drive Suite 124, Raleigh, NC 27612 or to the charity of your choice.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory, Morehead City, N.C.