Robert L. "Bert" Sparbel

Robert "Bert" Lewis Sparbel, born December 7, 1975, of King George, Virginia, passed on August 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was the beloved son of Robert N. and Carol A. Sparbel; devoted husband of Lisa, with whom he shared more than 18 years of marriage; loving father to Isabel and Olivia (Brendan); and proud grandfather to his beloved granddaughter, Sadie Mae. He also leaves behind his sisters, Renee and her husband Ken, and their daughter Kamryn, and Marlena and her husband, Rick; their daughter, Chloe; and Shanin and her daughter Ryleigh, along with countless family members and friends who were blessed to know and love him.

Bert was the kind of man who gave his whole heart to the people he loved. He was the best dad, the world's greatest husband, and a man who showed those around him what it truly meant to love, protect, serve, and remain faithful. He was a devoted servant of God and carried his faith with him throughout every season of his life. He grew up as a member of Oakland Baptist Church in King George, Virginia, and his faith remained one of the greatest foundations of who he was.

Growing up in King George, Bert found joy in the outdoors. He spent his summers swimming on the swim team, riding bikes, and fishing at Billingsley's Pond. He became a Junior Ranger at Caledon State Park, served as a Junior Member of the Dahlgren Rescue Squad, participated in Naval ROTC and Honor Guard in high school, and graduated from King George High School in 1994. While in high school, he was also a member of the Believers Because touring choir, where he shared his talents by helping with the sets, lighting, and sound. The choir was also a place where he served and helped others, reflecting his faith and willingness to give of himself.

He later attended the College of Health Sciences, becoming a National Registered Paramedic, and served as a paramedic with Clearbrook Rescue in Roanoke County, Virginia. He spent 15 years working for Sur-Dri in Roanoke, where he built not only a career, but relationships and memories that stayed with him.

A sportsman at heart, Bert loved hunting and fishing, with Houghton Lake in Michigan and Claytor Lake in Virginia holding special places in his heart. He also cherished time spent with his family, the simple moments, and the people he loved most.

For nearly seven years, Bert fought cancer with a strength that could not be measured by words. Cancer may have taken pieces of his body, but it never beat him. It never took his faith. It never took his love for his family. It never took the man he was. Through every diagnosis, every treatment, every setback, and every difficult day, Bert continued to fight-not simply to live, but to love, to serve, and to make memories with the people who mattered most.

His life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and unconditional love. Bert has left this earthly life, but the mark he made on his family will never fade. It is a blessing to know that he is now with his savior Jesus. The lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, the love he gave, and the memories he created will continue through every generation that carries his name.

As he lived with faith, so he left this world with it:

"So I'll cherish the old rugged cross

Till my trophies at last I lay down.

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it some day for a crown."

Bert fought the good fight, kept the faith, and finished his race. Cancer did not win. His faith did. His love did. His family did. And now, he has exchanged his cross for his crown.

The family will welcome friends for a period of visitation on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son funeral home, 305 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, VA.

A celebration of Bert's life will be held directly following visitation on Saturday, staring at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral homes chapel.

Online condolences may be expressed to the Sparbel family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.