Robert Earl Sparks grew up in Halifax County, North Carolina.  After serving as an Airman First Class during the Vietnam War, Sparks moved to Raleigh and joined the Raleigh Police Department as a motorcycle officer in 1967.

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On March 8, 1968, Officer Sparks pulled out onto Ridge Road in pursuit of a speeding vehicle. As he leaned into a curve, Sparks' motorcycle skidded and spun out of control. Officer Sparks' helmet was thrown off and he struck his head on a storm drain, resulting in severe head injuries.  He died just a few hours after the crash.

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Officer Sparks was buried in Roanoke Rapids.  He was survived by his wife, Lois, and two-year-old daughter, Susan.