Ralph Steven Sparger

Mr. Ralph Steven Sparger, 70, of Mount Airy, passed away Friday, April 3, 2009, at Virginia Beach General Hospital. Mr. Sparger was born November 12, 1938, in Surry County, to Ralph and Gladys Magdalene Spargo Sparger. He was a native of Mount Airy and proudly part of the Mount Airy High School Class of '56. He served our country proudly in the United States Navy. During his military career, he served across the globe including station in Alaska, Florida, Virginia as well as Germany, Japan, and England and finally retiring from the Naval Security Group Command Headquarters in Washington D.C. During his career, he received ten distinguished awards, including the Combat Action Ribbon and the Navy Commendation Medal. After retiring from the Navy and returning to his hometown of Mount Airy, he and his brother co-owned Anderson Grocery for many years. After retiring from the grocery business, he spent much of his time pursuing his love of computers, gardening and especially his grandchildren. Steve will always be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Michelle S. and Shelton Clough of Virginia Beach, VA; a son, Frank Sparger of Norwood, NC; grandchildren, Morgan Eliese Clough, Shelton Northberg Clough, III, and Merica S. Simpson; a sister, Bonnie Plitt; and a brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Sharon Sparger and their son, Derek Sparger, of Mount Airy; and the mother of his children, Ingrid Sparger of Virginia Beach, VA. In addition to his parents, Mr. Sparger was preceded in death by a sister, JoAnne Lynch. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, April 9, 2009, at Salem United Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. Dennis W. "Bud" Cameron. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, with military honors by VFW Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Thursday at the church from 10:00 until the time of the service.