Robert Sparks

Robert Sparks, 88 years old, died on September 1, 2025, at his daughter's home in Dexter, Michigan. Robert was born on September 21, 1936 in Flag Pond, Tennessee to Tony and Ora (Crain) Sparks.

Robert grew up a true mountain boy who loved to ride his horse bareback all over the Appalachian Mountains in east Tennessee. He spent many days and nights camping in the mountains, enjoying nature, and appreciating God’s creation. He was a gentle, kind, soft-spoken southern gentleman that loved to have deep discussions about faith, nature and history; especially Bible history. He also loved music and animals. Robert had many jobs growing up and into adulthood. He worked at his grandfather’s sawmill and gristmill, worked on tobacco farms, drove a logging truck from Kentucky to Tennessee, and was in the Merchant Marines.

Robert attended Unicoi schools in Tennessee where he met his sweetheart and soul mate, Sue Ann Watts. As Sue Ann was walking to school one day, Robert noticed the pretty young blonde while driving by, pulled over, and introduced himself. They enjoyed many hours of roller skating together at the local rink and getting burgers and shakes at the Big Hat. The couple were married on February 8, 1957, in Greeneville, SC, and had over 67 beautiful years together.

The couple moved to Michigan then to Arkansas to keep their jobs with Daisy Air Rifle. They were in Arkansas for four years where Sue Ann gave birth to Donna in 1961. They then moved “home” to east Tennessee for a year where she gave birth to Debra in 1965. Due to better work opportunities in Michigan, Robert got on a train and headed north to begin work for Ford Motor Co. Sue and their daughters moved to join him soon after and they remained in the Plymouth area for many years. Robert attended Lincoln Welding School in Ohio in 1983 to become a certified welder and worked in skilled trades for the remainder of his time at Ford. Robert worked for Ford for nearly 40 years. Robert and Sue Ann always dreamed of having a home in the country on acreage and made that dream come true in 1993 when they purchased six acres in Whitmore Lake, MI and built their dream home. Robert enjoyed mowing his acreage on his Massey Ferguson, keeping a garden, and spending time in his pole barn where he loved to create various home improvements. He loved the quiet of the country, observing the tiniest amazing things about nature, and spending time teaching his grandchildren about the joys of country life. Robert loved to stay busy and was very hard working. After Robert’s retirement in 2006, he and Sue Ann enjoyed even more time with family, traveling to the beach in North Carolina and seeing family in Tennessee and North Carolina. Robert loved spending time at the ocean and was always amazed by its beauty and strength. He collected hundreds of shells every time he visited the ocean and would put them in clear containers to place in their house and give away as gifts. Eventually, Sue Ann said he’d collected enough shells. However, he continued to collect them and kept them in his garage and pole barn. The highlight of Robert’s life was his family. He cared for his ailing wife, Sue Ann with amazing love, gentleness, kindness, compassion, and patience until her final day. Robert’s gentle and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

His surviving family members are numerous, but mainly include:

Two daughters: Donna (Richard) Brown, and Debbie Sakowski

Grandfather to three: Alicia Brown (Tyler Selke), Rachael Sakowski Fleming (Marcus Fleming), and Jacob Sakowski (Maria Tortorici Sakowski)

Great-grandfather to three: Milaya, Delaney, and Leighton

Brother: Roger (Peggy) Sparks

He is preceded in death by his parents Tony and Ora (Crain) Sparks, his wife Sue Ann (Watts) Sparks, his sisters Hilda Cloyd and Renee Tarlton, his nephew Michael Sparks, and his son-in-law Steven Sakowski.

Other family members: Robert has numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and step siblings that have enriched our lives and we are so thankful.

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in many heart-felt forms from too many people to name individually. We love and pray for each of you and very much appreciate you.

His Farewell… Robert’s family and friends will gather Monday September 8th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Hamburg Chapel. His Community Farewell will be held following at 1:00 PM, with burial to take place after at Washtenong Memorial Park at 2:30 PM. Pastor Tom Snyder will serve as celebrant. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Memorial contributions may be given to family for future designation.  Please leave a message of comfort for Robert’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

This Obituary is written by his daughters, Donna Brown and Debbie Sakowski, in honor of our dear Father. It is our tribute to his memory, which will be carried on in the legacy of love that is now part of each of us – the lives he formed and touched by his love. A beautiful example of living a life of love and faith.

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