FLEETON—Paul Cornwell Sparks, M.D. of Fleeton passed away on February 19, 2026. He was lovingly cared for throughout his illness and was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends, who remember him fondly by his love for a good joke and his ability to make anyone feel welcome.
The son of Margaret Cornwell Sparks and Paul Reed Sparks, M.D., he was born on November 10, 1941, in Mount Holly, N.J., and raised in Burlington, N.J. He attended Ursinus College and Hahnemann University Medical College in Philadelphia, Pa. While in medical school, he met his wife, Alice Christine Muldowney, and they married in 1968.
He then completed his residency at Akron University Hospital in orthopedics. During this time, he also served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1970-1971. After his return, he completed a specialty fellowship in Columbus, Ga., at The Hughston Orthopedic Clinic in sports medicine.
Following his training, he began his private practice in orthopedic surgery in South Boston, for the next 35 years where he and Alice raised two children, Sonja and Andy. He and Alice retired and moved to Fleeton where he covered weekend call at Rappahannock General Hospital as a fill in for the local orthopedists.
He fully retired three years later and enjoyed having time to work in his garden, play with his grandchildren and dogs, work on the Claude W. Somers at the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum with his buddies, and serve on the vestry at his church, St. Mary’s. He and Alice enjoyed spending time with family and friends and enjoying the relaxed life of the Northern Neck.
He is survived by his wife, Alice; daughter, Sonja and son, Andy (Diane); brother, John (Laurie); grandchildren, Olivia Smith, Wynne Smith, Mead Smith, Etta Sparks and Alice Sparks.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 2, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Fleeton to celebrate Paul’s life. Gifts of remembrance may be made to St. Mary’s Church and the Animal Welfare League.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
