Robert V. Sparrow Jr., 84, Gwynn, Va., passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. At an early age he began working on the water and then began working as a supervisor at the shipyard, retiring after 34 years. After retirement, he returned to the water, his first love, after his wife Virginia, of course. He was an accomplished self-taught guitarist and played with several bands, including Sound Sett. He was a member of the Church of the Nazarene and loved his church family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Forrest Sparrow; his parents, Robert Sparrow Sr. and Mary Ruth Sparrow; a son, William David Sparrow, and a sister, Marie Saunders.

He is survived by his children, Jean Sparrow, Robert V. Sparrow III and Sharon Valdez; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and “Crabby,” his canine companion whom he loved very much.

The family received friends Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, from 6-8 p.m. at Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, Va. Funeral services were held Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. at Church of the Nazarene, Hudgins.

Interment will be in Gwynn’s Island Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, 94 Cricket Hill Road, Hudgins, Va. 23076.