Ford Sparks "Sparky" Cartwright

Ford Sparks “Sparky” Cartwright was born on August 26, 1947, in Center, Texas, to Betty Jean (Sparks) Cartwright and Baxter Polk Cartwright, Jr. From the very beginning, Sparky carried with him a quiet strength, a determined spirit, and a heart full of kindness.

In 1977, he married the love of his life, Ellen Rebecca (Heinley) Cartwright. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, love, and laughter, sharing 48 wonderful years together. They had the joy of raising their son, Andrew, who brought immeasurable pride and happiness into their lives. Sparky was especially proud when Andrew joined him at Cartwright Real Estate, working side by side in the family business - a partnership that meant the world to him.

Sparky lived a rich and fulfilling life for over 77 years, and on July 1, 2025, he was called home to be with his Heavenly Father. Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void, his legacy continues in the countless lives he touched.

A proud graduate of San Augustine High School’s Class of 1965, Sparky was voted “Most Handsome” and was a standout on the golf team - a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. He went on to attend Stephen F. Austin State University on a golf scholarship, graduating in 1969 with a degree in business. While at SFA, Ford was a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. His love for SFA never faded; he wore the purple with pride and continued to support his alma mater in many meaningful ways throughout his life.

A proud member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, Ford was a charter member of the Ezekiel Cullen Chapter. He was also a distinguished member of the Society of Seniors, a prestigious national organization for elite senior amateur golfers. His talent, dedication, and competitive spirit were evident in his many accomplishments - including being a three-time champion of the Senior Temple Cup and winning the Azalea Senior Four Ball. In 2020, he added the TGA Super Senior Four Ball Championship to his impressive list of accolades.

Throughout his life, Ford played professionally around the world, sharing his love for the game and building lifelong friendships wherever golf took him.

Sparky continued to sharpen his expertise in real estate, earning a graduate designation from the Realtors Institute in 1975 and completing the esteemed SOARS (Studies of Advanced Real Estate Subjects) program at Texas A&M and the Texas Real Estate Research Center in 1979. His deep commitment to the industry led him to serve two terms as President of the Pineywoods Board of Realtors and take on leadership roles as past President of the Stephen F. Austin Alumni Association and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the SFA Alumni Foundation.

Over four decades, Ford built a respected real estate career across East Texas, specializing in timberland, farm and ranch properties, and land development. He served clients ranging from major corporations like Temple Inland, International Paper, Georgia Pacific, and Louisiana Pacific, to private landowners and high-net-worth individuals - each one treated with the same care, integrity, and dedication that defined his character.

But more than his impressive resume, Sparky will be remembered for who he was: a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful son and brother, loyal friend, and humble servant of God.

Sparky never sought the spotlight. He let his actions speak for him - quiet acts of service, steady encouragement, and a sincere heart that was always focused on the well-being of others. Whether you were a stranger or a lifelong friend, rich or poor, you were met with the same warm smile and kind word. He never spoke ill of anyone and always looked for the good in others.

He was hard-working and fiercely determined, never backing down from a challenge. His competitive spirit, especially on the golf course, was matched only by his fairness and respect for others. Beneath his calm demeanor was a drive to do things right - and to do them well.

Though he was a private man, Sparky’s faith was the foundation of his life. He believed deeply in the power of prayer and lived each day as a reflection of God's love. His humility, compassion, and strength were quiet yet profound - his life a living testimony to the values he held dear.

To know Sparky was to witness a life well-lived: faithful, kind, and true. His legacy is one of grace and quiet impact, and his absence leaves a space that can never be filled. Yet his spirit will live on in every life he touched and in the example he set for all who knew him.

He will be dearly missed - and never forgotten.

Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted wife, Becky Cartwright; his beloved sister, Kalitah Bernice Cartwright; and his cherished granddaughter, Andrea Cartwright, along with her mother, Nara Soun Chhay. He is also lovingly remembered by his nieces, Deanna Jean (McBride) Metcalf and her husband Bryan, and Pamela Marie McBride; his nephew, Brandon Heinley and his wife Carrie; and his treasured great-nieces and nephews: Anna Elizabeth Metcalf, John Baxter Polk Metcalf, Kolby Bryant, Kyndel Bryant, Pearly Heinley, and Wren Heinley.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Baxter Polk Cartwright, Jr. and Betty Jean Cartwright, and by his dear son, Andrew Ford Cartwright.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Christ Congregational Church, located at 105 Saddle Creek Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75904. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Ford Sparks “Sparky” Cartwright Memorial Endowment, Stephen F Austin State University, P.O. Box 6092, SFA Station, Nacogdoches, Texas 75962-6092 (Checks Payable to: SFASU or Stephen F. Austin State University and the name of Memorial Endowment on the memo line of check, or Checks Payable to: Christ Congregational Church, 105 Saddle Creek Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.