Robert Drew Sperry, Sr.

Robert Drew Sperry, Sr. of Crestview, FL passed away after battling cancer, surrounded by his family on Saturday morning, July 27, 2019 in Crestview, FL at the age of 52.

Robert was born in Austin, TX on November 14, 1966, as the youngest of three sons to Lee and Kathryn Sperry. He lived his childhood in central Florida and after moving to Missouri  for a few years, his family returned to Florida.

Upon graduating from high school in New Smyrna Beach, FL in 1984, Robert enlisted into the United States Navy.

While in basic training, he met the love of his life, Joanna Spaulding. Robert and Joanna married on November 16, 1985 in Orlando, FL. The following year, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Melissa. In 1987, their second child, Robert Jr., was born.

Robert served three years active duty and three years reserve in the United States Navy, achieving the rank of Electronics Technician 3rd Class. He was assigned to the USS Shreveport at Norfolk, VA and achieved the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

In 1988, Robert left the Navy and worked in a shipyard near New Orleans, LA and for Lockheed Martin at the Kennedy Space Center in FL. In 1991, he began his career with Varian Medical Systems in Louisiana. In 1998, Robert transferred with Varian and moved his family to Crestview, FL.

While employed with Varian, Robert received extensive training in maintenance of Varian’s cancer radiation therapy equipment. In his 28 years of dedicated work, his efforts helped countless people in their battles with cancer. While quietly accepting many accolades, he was most proud of his Coins of Excellence and Cool Hand Luke award.

Robert was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating with his family. He always stayed busy working on his property, creating walking trails and fenced pasture land for his cattle and horses. In his last years, he discovered the joy and angst of the game of golf with his friends Dan and Steve. Robert was an extremely hard worker and was not one to be idle. He led his family with humor, strength and a generous love.

Robert is survived by his wife of almost 34 years, Joanna Sperry of Crestview, FL; daughter Melissa Crouch and her husband Clifford Crouch; grandchildren Kiley Crouch, Garrett Crouch and Kathryn Crouch; and older brothers Allen Sperry and Jeffrey Sperry.

Robert was preceded in death by his son, Robert Drew Sperry, Jr., mother Kathryn Ann Sperry and father Lee Allen Sperry.