Robert Sparkman Thames, Sr., 89, widower of Evelyn Connor Thames, died Sunday, October 2, 2022, at his home. Born in Wedgefield, he was a son of the late John “J.J.” Jeremiah Thames and Mell Brabham Thames. Mr. Thames was a member of Dalzell Baptist Church. He was a U. S. Air Force veteran and the owner and operator of Thames Diesel Injection Pump Service. Surviving are five children, Robert S. “Sparky” Thames, Jr. (Linda), Connie T. DeBerry, Daisy T. Batten (Buddy), Mellody T. Brown (Mike), Jerry Mac Thames (Carol); 12 grandchildren, Robert S. “Robbie” Thames, III, James R. “Jamie” DeBerry, III, Natalie Dawn Smith, Michael Brown, Mallory Brown Petty, Robert B. “Bucky” DeBerry, William E. “Eddie” Batten, Nicole Thames, Shannon Rawson, Candace Wells, Summer Spigner and Ashlynn Spigner; 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Anthony Franklin Thames; a daughter, Evelyn Marie Thames; two brothers, Gerald Thames and Billy Thames. Graveside Services will be held at 2 P.M. Wednesday in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Mark Barnette officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Robert S. “Robbie” Thames, James R. “Jamie” DeBerry, Michael Brown, Robert B. “Bucky” DeBerry, William Edward “Eddie” Batten and great-grandson, Robert H. “Hunter” Thames. The family will receive friends following the graveside service and other times at the home of his daughter, 3725 Red Lane Road, Dalzell, SC. Memorials may be made to Dalzell Baptist Church, 3645 Camden Highway, Dalzell, SC 29040. Online condolences may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.