William Henry Sparrow

Mr. William Henry Sparrow, 84, "PA-PA", died Tuesday afternoon, April 29, 2008 at his home on Parker-Herndon Road in Pittsboro. Henry was borneecember 10, 1923 in Orange County, to William Dudley Sparrow and Minee Mae Pendergrass Sparrow. He attended Chapel Hill High School, after which he began a career in food service, initially working for Stone's Bakery in Chapel Hill. Henry joined the US Army Air Corps in 1945, and was honorably discharged 16 months later. He resumed his food service career at Village Grill, and later at Carrboro Sandwich Shop. Henry then came to Pittsboro, where he opened and operated "Henry's Restaurant" for 14 years. He closed the restaurant following the death of his wife, Lula Frances Meacham Sparrow, and began working in the cafeteria of Northwood High School. He retired from there in 1986 after 14 years of service, but went back and continued working until 1989. Henry cherished his garden and his farm, and greatly enjoyed riding his tractor. He was a founding member of the Carrboro Farmer's Market, and also participated at the Fearrington Village Market. He is survived by his children, David Martin Sparrow and wife Glenda, Ruth Sparrow Thomas and husband Charles, Mary Carol Sparrow, all of Pittsboro; step-children, Lisa Clark Stanley and husband Gerald, Marie Clark Lipofski and husband Ronee, all of Pittsboro, Michele Clark Reams and husband Dewey of Durham. Also surviving are grandchildren, Melanie Sparrow Green, Monica Sparrow Dixon, David "Zeke" Sparrow, Jr., Natalie Aneews Miller, Charles "Chuck" Thomas, Jr., Holly Frances "Frank" Thomas Stockton and husband Josh; and step-grandchildren, Sara Lipofski, Rachel Stanley, Erineeams. Several nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents and his first wife, Henry was preceded ineeath by his second wife, Lora Snees Clark Sparrow; brothers Herman and Mack Sparrow, and sisters, Hazel Sparrow aneera Sparrow Foley. The family wishes to also give special thanks to his caregiver, Flossie Leach. The service to celebrate Henry Sparrow's life will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, May 2, 2008 at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church with Rev. Bob Wachs and Rev. Dennis Hill presiding. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday evening from 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Griffin Funeral Service in Pittsboro, and at other times at Mr. Sparrow's residence. Memorial contributions may be made to either Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Building Fund, 2016 Mt. Carmel Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, or to Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Building Fund, 1785 Mt. Gilead Church Road, Pittsboro, NC 27132. Online condolences may be shared at www.griffinfuneral.com, Select Obituaries. Arrangements are under the care of Griffin Funeral Service of PIttsboro.