Amidst the tranquility of Cedar Creek Lake, tragedy struck the heart of a community that had come to cherish Ed Sparkman, affectionately known as “The Flag Guy” or "Lee." In a devastating turn of events, an electrical fire consumed not only his homestead but also his livelihood as the owner of Flags & Poles by Lee. As the flames raged, Ed's attempt to escape resulted in a broken hip, a painful testament to the chaos that unfolded. His wife's courage and the neighbors efforts saved him from the inferno's grasp, but the losses were profound.

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For more than three decades, Ed had woven himself into the tapestry of Cedar Creek Lake's identity. As the driving force behind Flags & Poles by Lee since 1990, he had elevated the community's spirit with over 300 resolute flagpoles and meticulously crafted custom flags. Through his work, Ed had given life to the ideals of patriotism and unity, a beacon of steadfast support for the DFW area and beyond. As he embarks on the challenging path of recovery, the same unity he championed is rallying to rebuild not just a business, but the resilience and spirit of camaraderie he infused into every flag he raised.