Paul Willis "Tommy" Sparks

August 11, 1950 ~ July 11, 2022
Paul Willis “Tommy” Sparks – age 71, passed away July 11, 2022, in Nashville, TN. Mr. Sparks is preceded in death by his father, Paul Grant Jones; mother, Patsy Sparks; sister, Leslie; brother, Tony. Survived by his daughter, Ashley Sparks; son, Cory Sparks; sisters, Tina Mycroft, and Crystal Williams (Rob); grandchildren, Austin Sparks (Stacey), Mitchell Corley, II; and great-grandson, Flynn “Atlas” Sparks. Paul was a super interesting individual with a larger-than-life personality and an incredibly kind heart. His love for music began around the time he joined his first band at the age of 14. He was a huge Beatles fan. He spent his life as an avid guitar player and talented singer. He also designed clothes for many famous names in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Paul was an award-winning Gospel Singer who was proud of his faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. He shared that love and the teachings of Christ with thousands over the years and brought many to know Jesus. Paul's legacy is one of kindness, great music, and love of the Lord, family, and friends. A Celebration of Paul’s Life Service will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at Nashville Cowboy Church, 410 New Brick Church Pike, Goodlettsville, TN 37072 with Dr. Joanne Cash Yates officiating. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Nashville Cowboy Church. Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-9955 We proudly remain locally owned & operated.
Paul , the nicest person I’ve ever met . We shared many memories. Yours you can share in Heaven. Love you Brother. Enjoy Heaven. Love Richard Hydell.
Paul was such an anointed singer for Christ. I loved singing with him on stage with him especially when he sand Canaans Land and Glory Glory🎤🎤🎤! He will be missed but we all know where he is. Everything Paul was he still is he just gets to be with Jesus now. Love and Prayers to the family. Phillip McCoy Jr.
I have known Paul since the 70’s. I spoke with him on the phone a few years ago and I told him that My Wonderful Lord is one of my favorite songs and that whenever I think of that song, I can still hear his voice singing it, and that he has always been one of my favorite singers. His voice was so strong and sincere. My brother told me several times something that most people wouldn’t notice; Paul could sing and play guitar at the same time and do both extremely well at the same time. Other songs that I remember Paul singing that will always remind me of him and in my opinion, no one can sing them better. Where no man stands alone, One day at a time. Scars in the hands of Jesus, The words say “my eyes haven’t seen nor have my ears heard, what my father has in store, …….that heavenly home where the gates of pearls are opened by an angel band, and the only thing there that’s been made by man are the scars in the hands of Jesus. Love you Paul Debbie Powell
Paul Willis (first time in my life I heard the name Willis) “Tommy” (I knew) Sparks. Paul Willis “Tommy” Sparks. I called him Sparky and most recently in the last few years, ‘Sparko.’ He was a wonderful friend. I have known Paul for about 5o years. I first connected with Paul through his songs such “My Wonderful Lord,” “Where No Man Stands Alone,” “Scares in The Hands of Jesus,” “Lighthouse.” My favorites where his altar songs, “Softy and Tenderly” and my most favorite, “Pass Me Not.” Later we worked together at a clothing store where we developed our friendship that has lasted about 5o years. His love for the Lord was contagious. His humor was crazy good, we connected even further when we went on street witnessing teams together. Even when I moved away while travelling over 30 years every time I came into Nashville, I looked up Sparky. From the time he worked at clothing stores to the Boot store on Broadway I always checked in on my friend to see how he was doing. I got to know his side kick, his son Corey who was always with him. Even when my wife and I decided to move from California to the east coast, Paul did everything in his power to convince us to move to Nashville. But we moved to Charlotte, North Carolina instead. After five years in Charlotte, we finally decided to move to Nashville. Over the last five years I got to know Paul even better and rejoiced in his successes in music. I found out about his love for Gay, Ashley, Corey, and the Cowboy Church, (which over the years I visited about three times). We were in a Bible reading group for a long time. He had a tremendous Love and respect and love for his Pastor at the Cowboy Church and his wife Dr. Joanne Cash Yates. Paul was a devoted friend One of the last things Paul said to me when I talked to him on the phone was Kelley “I love you man.” Thank you, Cowboy Church, for being his spiritual leader and helping him to be dedicated to Christ. Thank you, Corey, for being his wonderful son and his road dog and being with him consistently and giving him strength Thank you Ashley for being his daughter, his “rock.” Kelley, “I Love you Man!!” Paul Willis Tommy Sparks until we meet again. Love you and rest now in the arms of Jesus
For the Good Times- Kitch and Debs
Paul Sparks, wonderful Brother in Christ, leaves such memories in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ashley, Cory, Family and many friends. Mary B. & Family
This world has some of it’s luster without you here Paul. And heaven is a happier place with you there. We will miss you brother. May the Lord comfort your loved ones . Sincerely, Dave Randall
Paul was always nice and good to me and trail west!
Q: How did you meet Paul Willis “Tommy”? A: I met Paul at cowboy church and we quickly became friends. I loved him early on and had some of my best moments in life with him. He was one the kindest person I’d ever met! He loved the lord and he made me feel how much the lord love me. We laughed we danced we watched the stars together we made life plans together and we sang together, my life was better because of Paul. Oh of course I called him Cory he did have lots of names and we laughed about that! I’m so thankful God led him to me and me to him he was and always will be someone I will always love and miss he was my friend. Sincerely, Hallie Page
I’ve known Paul since I was a child. I used to love listening to him sing in church. When I got older, I formed a special bond with his young daughter, Ashley and helped take care of her for a time. He was always so nervous about anything happening to his baby girl. He loved his “Ash” so very much. A couple of years ago I stopped by his boot store in Nashville to visit & when he saw me he gave me the biggest hug and got caught up on our lives. Paul was kind, gentle & loved his family. He will be missed by all who loved him.
Q: What was Paul Willis “Tommy” really good at? A: Paul was good at being Kind, loving the Lord, having a beautiful smile, Killer Guitar 🎸 player and great singer. I’ll always Miss you Enjoy Heaven.🎶
First of all, I never heard anybody call you Tommy. The day I received Christ, you came off your seat and knelt next to me as I accepted Jesus as my personal savior. You were there when I was baptized in the Holy Ghost and since then you have been a very special person in my life. You chose me to be your best man at your wedding . I will never forget you my brother, my friend. I have heard others sing “Where No Man Stands alone. But no one will ever sing it like you. You know I love you, I’ll see you in heaven.
Q: What will you never forget about Paul Willis “Tommy”? A: I’ll never forget that when my husband had heart surgery and hadn’t come to, that Paul reached out and had kind and comforting words to say. He had surprised us a couple times by wishing us a Happy New year or Happy Easter or just a pleasant hello. I’ll cherish those messages from him. He was always a pleasure to be around and he had an amazing voice. He was a kind man that I’m proud to call my brother in the Lord. We’ll miss him.
Paul