Sparks’ community leadership lauded

A positive impact on this community, its newspaper and the business profession and civic leadership here was made by the life of the late Claude E. Sparks.

Russellville and Franklin County were blessed that most of his working life was spent here. Although his later years were spent in Huntsville, Russellville and Franklin County remained in his mind as “home.”

Sparks was a man of firm conviction and the courage, when necessary, to stand squarely for his beliefs – and that was simultaneously what he felt was right for his community. He was also fair and honest, a wonderful combination of a man who owned, edited and published this newspaper and its predecessor from 1953 forward until 1978, when he sold to the present owner, Franklin County Newspapers Inc., a part of Boone Newspapers of Tuscaloosa.

During those 25 years, he built a strong office supplies business and a printing operation and acquired improved real estate on the Highway 43 Bypass, which he adapted to his needs. He moved his business from the downtown area to its present location in the late 1960s or early 1970s.

He was a strong leader for what he thought best for this community – in print and through his convincing people skills. He rose in service to the Alabama Press Association as its president in 1976 and inspired other editors and publishers who are and were part of that organization then and even now. Easy to find, talk with and get acquainted with, he was known for making good decisions – made instantly when necessary and with contemplation when needed. Moreover, he was a man whose word was known to be absolute.

Such people are rare.

Sparks was also a dedicated family man. He and his wife Anne, who survives him in their Huntsville home, had a strong family, and they were dedicated to their three children, taught them the values they lived by and on which our community and our nation have thrived.

This newspaper has lost in its former owner, Claude Sparks, a good friend, one who offered constructive criticism when he felt it was needed and encouragement when he thought it was doing right. Such friends are rare, and we will miss Claude Sparks as we go forward.