By Billy Davis

Bow hunters and friends of softball guru Ernie Sparks are invited to participate in a fund-raiser to help defray medical expenses.

Sparks, 55, suffered a heart attack May 29 at Trussell Park and underwent triple-bypass surgery June 1 in Memphis.  

Daniel Nicholson, a friend of Sparks, is overseeing a fundraiser contest. A Mathews brand compound bow will be presented to the winner on August 3.

Anyone who wants to participate by making a donation may contact Nicholson at 934-4243 for information.

Sparks is well known for his longtime involvement in softball at Trussell, where he has been a familiar face since the 1970s.

Sparks said he was shagging balls at the park when he felt a pain in his chest, and a friend drove him to Tri-Lakes Medical Center after the pain grew worse.

Sparks said he was grateful to Nicholson and to others who have already contacted him about helping with his medical expenses.

“I rode the helicopter from Batesville to Memphis and the flight cost $23,000,” Sparks said. “A doctor bill for my EKG is for $45,000.”

A special account has been set up for Sparks at BancorpSouth. He can be reached at 563-0186.