Robert, also known as Bob or "Sparky" was the first of three children born to the late Robert and Elsie Sparkman. He was an accomplished Eagle Scout, graduate of business at Virginia Commonwealth University, and a US Air Force Veteran. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Woodbridge, Virginia; and First Baptist Church of Navarre, Florida, after his move to this area. Bob is survived by his wife of 44 years, Cynthia Sparkman, of Navarre, Florida; son, Bryan, his wife Stephanie and two grandchildren, Clara and Robert "Robbie" Thomas Sparkman III of Fairfax Station, Virginia, and his son, Matthew of Navarre, Florida. Additionally, he is survived by his younger brother, Greg Sparkman and his wife, Cynthia, of Harwood, Maryland; and younger sister Brenda Devine and her husband, Ron, of Burke, Virginia.

Bob was dedicated to his family. He loved his wife, married for 44 years, and had two sons, Bryan and Matthew. He encouraged his sons to succeed at school and their professional work, resulting in Bryan advancing to Lt. Colonel in the Air Force and Matthew a mechanical engineer. He always enjoyed spending time at family events such as sports, birthdays and holiday celebrations. Known to his friends and colleagues as Sparky, his professional contribution to society was as a systems engineer, ensuring the U.S. Navy fleet maintained their competitive combat advantage. In his last position as an employee of Zimmerman Associates Inc. of Fairfax, Virginia, he provided engineering support to Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington D.C., retiring after an 11 year tenure in 2012. He moved to Navarre, Florida, with his wife in 2016 where he spent the rest of his life. Bob loved all living things and some of his best friends were animals.