Lamar Sparkman, who drew cartoons for over 40 years for the Tampa Times and Tampa Tribune passed away yesterday morning at the age of 88 after complications with pneumonia. Lamar is also remembered for designing the Bucco Bruce logo for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team.
He was known for regular football cartoons about the University of Florida (“The Adventures of Alli-Gator”), Florida State (“Song of the Seminole”) and the Tampa Bay Bucs (the “Buc Bomber” â?? a World War I-style fighter plane that navigated treacherous surroundings in the franchise’s early years).
He was a regular at the Masters â?? three of his paintings still hang at Augusta National â?? and a personal favorite of the legendary Arnold Palmer.
His drawings also captured notable accomplishments from local athletes â?? and many have been preserved as cherished keepsakes.