(11/22/04)

I am retired after twenty-five year with Sears automotove and am just getting the hang of digital photo. Otherwise heath is OK and each new day brings a smile to my face.

Houston Ray Sparkman

San Jose

Houston Ray Sparkman, "Ray", passed away on February 8, 2015.

He was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle and friend to many. Born in Pacific Grove and raised on multiple Navy bases.Ray retired from Sears as an Automotive Advisor after working for many years. For the last several years, he has been a volunteer at Kaiser Hospital.

Ray enjoyed working in his vegetable garden, video gaming, and really loved playing with his grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents, Florence Consiglio and Houston Sparkman, and his sisters Joanne Emery and Cheryl Sparkman. Survived by his wife, Linda Sparkman; daughters, Chris Miele and Kathy Wyneken; his 9 grandchildren, Hunter, Ruger and Rylie Wyneken, Aidan and Cooper Miele, Ashley and Kyle Jordan, Nicholas and Nathan Jordan. Also survived by his nephews and children, Rick Emery, Eric, Elizabeth, and Evan Emery, Ken and Destiny Emery, and Jamie Sparkman. Also his life long friend Ron Garcia, whom he considered a brother. Ray's ashes will be scattered at sea.

Memorial Service will be held February 21 at 2:00 at Lima Memorial Chapel, 710 Willow Street, San Jose, CA 95125. 408-295-5160

Published in Santa Cruz Sentinel on Feb. 12, 2015 - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/santacruzsentinel/obituary.aspx?n=houston-ray-sparkman&pid=174120453&fhid=2102#sthash.u7VJZDn8.dpuf

(2/12/15)

Facebook post by Mary Susan Taylor. Ray Sparkman, class of 1966, died Feb. 7 in San Jose. Ray was a best friend and classmate of my brother "Big George" Taylor. My mother always worried about the friendship as Ray was a 'bad boy" in a 1950's wild one kind of way without a bike. But Ray married, settled down, had a respectable career, kids and nine grandkids, none of which my brother accomplished, lol. In later years Mom was quite contrite about her opinion. Ray was the last of his generation, sisters Joy '61 and Cheryl '67 have already passed. Rest in Peace Ray. Sue Taylor '68

(2/13/15)

Facebook post by Elizabeth Harper-Ray. Thanks for the information about Ray. Ray and his mother and sisters lived near my family in Pacific Grove, Ca. I am so sorry that Ray has passed. Ray was a great man He will be missed.

(2/15/15)

Facebook post by Kay Tothero. Ray and I started dating when I was a senior, class of '67. After high school we married and had 2 beautiful daughters. Although we didn't stay together, Ray was ALWAYS a loving father and grandfather. He was a good man. He will be missed.