Birth date: Apr 4, 2000 Death date: Jun 16, 2025
Alexander Reed Sparks, age 25, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025. A brave and compassionate soul, Alex dedicated his life to service as a firefighter and paramedic with the Shelby County Fire Department. Alex lived life with h Read Obituary
Sending prayers and hugs during this difficult time
I AM SO SAD FOR YOUR LOSS. MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. WITH MUCH LOVE, WANDA
Tribute to Alexander Sparks
By Glen F. Kneeland, Deputy Fire Chief (Retired), Shelby County Fire
Alexander was part of one of the last Shelby County Fire Department recruit classes I had the privilege of working with before I retired. During training, he was quiet—but you could tell he was always listening, always learning. He absorbed everything around him, and it showed.
Not only did Alexander graduate from Fire Recruit School, he went on to earn the title of SCFD Paramedic—an accomplishment that speaks to his dedication, skill, and perseverance. That’s no small feat.
His calm demeanor, quiet strength, and eagerness to learn made him a truly exceptional paramedic—and a trusted friend to many. Alexander served our community with compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment. He was deeply respected by all who knew him.
He will be sorely missed by his brothers and sisters at SCFD. My heart goes out to his family, his girlfriend, and all who loved him during this incredibly difficult time.
Regretfully, I will be out of town during Alexander’s funeral services, but please know my thoughts and prayers are with his family and his SCFD family. Rest easy, Alexander. You were one of the good ones. Your brothers and sisters will carry your memory with them always. 🚒🕊️
Glen F. Kneeland
Deputy Fire Chief (Retired)
Shelby County Fire
Sparky (Alex) and I met 8 years ago at the Lakeland Domino's. He started the week after I did, and we immediately bonded over both being awkward homeschoolers at our first job together. Our friendship grew immensely over the years, which wasn't a hard thing to do with someone like Alex. No matter the good times, or the bad times, he always brought such a light with him everywhere he went. His friendship made a huge difference in my life, and I'm honored to have been a part of his. From the early teenage days of pizza and shenanigans, into adulthood where the conversations would last until 4am with my husband and I, the memories are something that I will carry with me always. We loved Alex like a brother, and will miss his light in our lives always. ❤️
I had the awesome pleasure of helping Alex, my DSCC SON get enrolled and setup for his AEMT and Paramedic classes. Helping him and watch him achieve his life goals was such a blessing and honor. Then working with Alex and seeing him be so successful and him calling me his "Momma Tanzy". I am so glad I got a hug and squeeze from Alex just last week and us laughing over my dance moves. He told me to sit down. Lol
Love you Alex and keep shining bright and watch over us!!!
