Chris coaching our boys

❤❤❤Today is the day that the pain is sharper and deeper, as we don’t get to hug him on his birthday! But knowing Chris I am certain that he would love to have his Birthday celebrated just as these photos portray. He loved to be spoiled on this special day and he felt entitled to receive a tad extra love. Who knows Chris, knows his love for good food and how much he enjoyed that piece of cake! Although our hearts are broken, we want to carry and spread joy today, because that would’ve been Chris’s ultimate wish. Therefore, may the winds of Heaven blow softly in your ear HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WE LOVE YOU! We know that this birthday is an incredible one for you, reunited with mom & dad and Mitch. We, people you loved on earth, hold hands and lift you up! Fly high my dear, no doubt you would go as high as possible!❤❤❤

I am Chris's sister-in-law and on behalf of his family from Moldova I wanted to reach out to the Holmes family and express the deepest sympathy and our condolences. Our hearts ache from far and we hate that we can't be physically present to support you all. Chris was and remained family to all of us and he is loved by so many here. We grieve with you! Even in a country where he didn't know the language, while here he had the ability to communicate with people and befriended many. He never met a stranger regardless of the language spoken or the color of the skin, he had a big heart for everyone. Today, On Chris's birthday, his family from Moldova will be celebrating Chris's Life! Chris's kindnesses touched so many here, but the love he had for Alona and Cami is what set him apart, not many can give the way he gave his love! We will forever cherish Chris, Rest In Peace big brother!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

My wife and I met Chris and his wife at our first warrior meeting. They were getting out of their vehicle as we were getting out of ours. Chris immediately introduced himself. He made us feel welcome as we walked into the Sparks’s house. And also throughout the meeting. Although his physical presence was intimidating, his eyes and his actions displayed kindness. My wife and I send our love to his family, in Christ

This will never not hurt but as my Dad taught me, you can get through anything as long as you pick yourself up and hold your head high. And that is exactly what I will continue to do for my Dad. I will strive to make him proud. I cannot wait till we meet again, my guardian angel. 

I miss you both. I imagine mama has your head on her lap, caressing and loving on her first born son. While her memory left her, she never forgot to be mama. So love you both!

Chris, Gary, & Cindy three best friends!

Chyanna & Chris

Cutest little man!

Fly high cuz you are loved and missed so much. Your wings were ready but my heart was not 💔😭

My condolences to Chris's family. I first met Chris when working in Iraq, we would often discuss our project at the Level 7 Bar. Those days created a lasting friendship that I will miss.

Chris and I Fishing

While playing golf with Chris and his father Joe one afternoon. We were discussing me getting in shape and I asked Chris if he would be my motivator and push me to get in the gym and get healthy like him.  Quote he said “ I’m not you, it’s on you to change your body, and mind”. Tough love he called it. After the round gave me a big hug like always and said I’m here for you. He was kind hearted but no nonsense. Loved that about him. He will be missed. Hod be with the family. Love you all 

Chris in his element teaching the fundamentals of baseball.

From Deegan-

One of my favorite memories of Chris, other than pranking Mom, was him teaching me about baseball. 

From Bo-

I wish there was more time with Chris. We talked about going shooting and didn’t get the chance. I started football season and liked him coming to my games and giving me pointers after. 

We love you and will miss you!

Chris had a heart of gold and smile on his face every time anyone entered the gym.  Nobody was a stranger to him and he walked up to you with open arms.  No matter what type of day you had, he would go out of his way to lift your spirits.  A genuine, godly man Chris was!! 

Ann, my heart breaks for you sweet friend and my prayers for the whole family.  

He’s rejoicing in heaven and looking down on each one of you.  

Sending love and hugs!! 

Chris was always welcomed at our house and visited quite often!!

I will say there was one story that also sticks out in my mind when I think of my uncle. My horse was Rocky and my brothers horse was Yoda. (Granted they weren’t really ours but our uncles and grandparents let us think they were) We decided to go on a trail ride through the woods behind my grandparents property and that’s where we learned to stay on our horses and open fences and gates and how to use our commands we were taught. As we were going through the woods my uncle was talking non stop telling us about the birds and the trees and telling some rodeo stories because we loved to hear them. When we came up to a stream (it looked a lot bigger to us back then) the horses refused to go down through the stream. He taught us how to lean back and adjust our weight to help the horses move easier, which in turn showed us how to use our heels to get the horses to go where we wanted. Well after what seemed like an hour, really maybe 5 minutes, my uncle said hang on! and before we knew it my uncle slapped my horses butt and we went flying through the stream and up the other side. He laughed so hard and was so proud of us for hanging on the hold time. After we crossed the river my uncle held a branch for me to pass and he told me to hold it which I didn’t, and it went flying past me and smacked my brother straight in the forehead. My uncle laughed so hard he almost fell and when he got us back to the house to doctor up my brother he said “well I guess you have a head as strong as mine”. My brother still hates me for that but those memories are some of the best ones I have. 

Honesty, Honor and compassion. As big as Chris were so big was his heart, he always had space for another in his heart. In the time that I knew Chris, I have never heard him say anything bad from any other person. Chris never thought twice about helping someone. You could not do anything else but to love him.

I know there is a story that my grandparents loved to share with so many people and it always seemed to occupy at least a couple weeks out of every summer spent with my uncle and grandparents at their home. My uncle used to always break, tear or sprain something right before we would come out to visit and it never failed that I would be the first one to step up and want to fix him and make him better. My grandma even had nurses outfits ready for us when we got there. I can not tell you how many bandages I changed or stitches we cleaned or how many Don Joy products I had to help him put back on. It was always fun for me to help him heal back up and see him get right back out there and do the things he loved doing. In fact one time after helping him heal his elbow we were outside painting and setting up burn barrels to use to practice barrel racing with our uncles rodeo horses. It was amazing and such a wonderful memory I have.