Malik Sparkman, the brave young Coffee High student who was diagnosed with kidney cancer in August of last year, has passed away. Malik, a talented football player for the Trojans who was going to play an integral role in the Coffee High defense during the 2014 season, received the devastating news of his diagnosis just prior to week one of football season. Instead of spending the fall playing football, he was in a hospital bed, undergoing treatments for his illness that were at times worse than the disease itself.
Malik’s illness touched the entire Coffee County community, and citizens throughout the county helped make the final 10 months of his life truly a time to remember. Throughout his illness, Malik’s courage, strength, and faith in the face of insurmountable odds inspired thousands. He was a brave young man and faced his battle with a confidence and peace that only comes from an unshakeable faith in his Creator.
As of this evening, Sunday, May 17, 2015, Malik’s fight has come to an end. He is no longer suffering. He is no longer in pain. He has realized the full fruits of his faith and he is now enjoying heavenly rest. Through his illness, Malik Sparkman touched countless lives. He made a positive impact on everyone with whom he came in contact. Coffee County has lost one of its best and brightest, and Heaven has welcomed home a true angel.
Malik, we are all better people for having known you, and you will be missed more than you ever know. May you find the rest in Heaven that escaped you over the last year of your young life. You will never be forgotten.
Russell Flanagan, page owner of Coffee County Ga. Police Scanner on Facebook, has compiled a video in honor of Malik’s life and the inspirational beauty he brought to an entrie community. To view the video, click here.
