Bob, as he was known to his friends, was born in Princeton, WV, to the late O.A. and Irene Spradling on September 16, 1932. His early life in the rugged hills of West Virginia was far from easy and yet those moments of adversity formed a resilience and tenacity that influenced him throughout his life.

As a teenager, Bob heard the message of salvation and committed his life to Jesus Christ. The radical change in his life was biblical salt and light for his parents, who also became believers, and so it might be said that here is when his ministry of sharing the good news of the Gospel began.

Bob graduated with the Class of 1950 at St. Albans High School, where he met the love of his life in the school hallway. “Who is that?” he asked his buddy, who replied, “that’s Gertrude Ranson and her dad owns the local Ford dealership.” Bob quickly responded, “I don’t care who her dad is, I’m interested in her!” Convincing her to go out with him and eventually marrying in August 1953, he knew what a devoted life partnership could be.

Bob and Trudy set out with very few resources to prepare for lifelong service in ministry. His academic journey took him to Southland Bible Institute, Ashland, KY (Teacher’s Cert.); Piedmont Bible College, Winston-Salem, NC (B.Div.); Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC (M.A.); and Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake, IN (B.Div. and Th.M.). Most importantly through his studies, he sought opportunities to learn from Bible teachers and pastoral mentors.

God led him to serve congregations at Burr Oak Baptist Church (Indiana), Northville Baptist Church (Michigan); and Bible Center Church (West Virginia). After retiring from the pastorate, he embarked on a church growth consulting ministry serving smaller churches.

As a man’s character is more often revealed in between the milestones and accomplishments, Bob’s humble beginnings increased his faith to step forward when the pathway was still unseen. Not knowing if there would be money to finish his own education, influenced him to be financially generous to others. Most of all, learning from the insight of wise biblical scholars ingrained in him the importance of being a godly mentor. And so, he confidently completed the work he was supposed to do.