Roy Michael Sperling

On the morning of April 9, 2025, after battling the effects of diabetes and heart disease, Roy Michael Sperling went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ.

Mike was born March 27, 1954, in Rockwall, Texas to Roy Lee and Mildred Sperling. He grew up in Rowlett with his sister Theresa and his two brothers Danny and Kent. Mike was the oldest. He graduated from Garland High School in 1972. He joined the Army in 1973 and served his country proudly in the 6th Calvary Brigade Air Combat until his honorable discharge in 1976. Mike met the love of his life, Nancy, in 1974, and they married on July 15, 1974.

After his military service, Mike built a career as a self-employed contractor, working in construction and underground utilities until his retirement in 2016. In 2006, he and Nancy moved to Quitman, where he became an active member of the community. Mike was a devout Christian, and was baptized on November 25, 1973 at First Baptist Church of Rowlett. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Mineola. Mike served faithfully as a deacon for 20 years—15 of those years at Hainesville Baptist Church. Mike also taught Sunday School for two decades, sharing his faith and wisdom with others.

Mike was an excellent mechanic who had a knack for fixing just about anything. He especially loved restoring cars—preferably ones with loud engines—and was a proud member of the Lake Country Classic Car Club. He enjoyed spending time in his garden, tending to both vegetables and flowers with care. Over the years, he coached softball, supported Quitman FFA, and never missed a chance to talk about politics, genealogy, or family history—topics he was deeply passionate about. An avid outdoorsman, Mike found great joy in hunting whitetail deer, dove, and quail.

Above all, Mike was a proud husband, father, and grandfather. His greatest joy was his family, and nothing made him happier than time spent with his family and grandkids, who affectionately called him Poppa. He will be remembered for his sharp mind, generous spirit, and deep love for his family, his faith, and his country.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Roy Lee and Mildred Sperling; and two brothers, Danny Sperling and Kent Sperling.

Left to cherish his memory is his faithful wife of 50 years, Nancy Sperling of Quitman; three children, April Gross and husband Michael of Wills Point, Roy Clint Sperling and wife Leslie of Quitman, and Valerie Sperling and husband Bobby Goodman of Ben Wheeler; his sister, Theresa Hammes and husband John of Rowlett; seven grandchildren, Cody Gross, Helen Hoffman, Cassidy Gross, Alyssa Creed, Clay Gross, Kate Swanberg, and Andie Sperling; two great grandchildren, Hudson Gross and Hattie Mak Gross; and several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Funeral service for Mike Sperling will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, April 18, 2025 at Lowe-Gardner Funerals and Cremations. Graveside service will follow at Concord Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Mike to First Baptist Church of Mineola, 202 N. Johnson St., Mineola, TX 75773.