He was born in Orange County and attended Chapel Hill High School, after which he began a career in food service, initially working for Stone's Bakery in Chapel Hill. He joined the U.S. 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. He opened and operated Henry's Restaurant in Pittsboro 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.

He was a founding member of the Carrboro Farmers' Market and participated at the Fearrington Village Market.

A celebration of his life was held May 2 at Mount Gilead Baptist Church with the Rev. Bob Wachs and the Rev. Dennis Hill. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Survivors include a son, David Martin Sparrow of Pittsboro; two daughters, Ruth Sparrow Thomas and Mary Carol Sparrow, both of Pittsboro; three step-children, Lisa Clark Stanley and Marie Clark Lipofski, both of Pittsboro, Michele Clark Reams of Durham; six grandchildren and three step-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Carmel Baptist Church Building Fund, 2016 Mount Carmel Road, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27517, or to Mount Gilead Baptist Church Building Fund, 1785 Mount Gilead Church Road, Pittsboro, N.C. 27132.

Online condolences may be shared at www.griffinfuneral.com, select Obituaries.