Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at West Main Baptist Church for William R. Sturgis of Roswell.
Sturgis, 66, passed away Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, in Lubbock, Texas, with his best friends, Susan and Ricky, by his side.
Cremation has taken place at Agape Funeral Chapel in Lubbock. Honorary pallbearers are Johnny Duran, Casey Ellis, Gene Ellis, Lonnie Fuller, Samantha Crouch, Brenna Dew, Marie Rutherford, Beverly Sweatt and Albert Johnson.
William was born Oct. 30, 1949, in Fordyce, Ark., to Bill and Marybeth (Cook) Sturgis. He spent his early years in Arkansas, California, Alaska and Oklahoma, graduating from East Anchorage High School in 1968. He was a Vietnam Era veteran, serving in the U.S. Army at Fort Sill, Okla.
William later moved to Roswell, where he married wife Bonnie Sturgis and adopted his children, Amy and Jason Sturgis. He completed the Oil Field Training Academy at ENMU-Roswell, where he earned his associate’s degree. He later earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science.
Willie was known for his crazy escapades and his love for music, hunting, fishing, and being surrounded by friends.
Survivors include sister Sharon Tonjes and husband of Florida; daughter Amy Sturgis Lant and husband Jeff of Roswell; son Jason Sturgis of Fort Worth, Texas; granddaughters Courtney, Cayanne, Amber, Jenna, Jordyn, Autumn and Calli Lant, all of Roswell; nephew Ricky Ellis and wife Linda of Artesia; great-nephews Casey and Gene Ellis, both of Artesia; great-niece Jehva Hedgecock of Carlsbad; great-great-nephew David D’Waynne Hedgecock of Carlsbad; girlfriend Susan Slope of Roswell; longtime friend Tom “Truck” Daniels and wife Toni of Cherokee, Okla.; and numerous friends too many to count.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Sturgis; mother Marybeth (Cook) Sturgis; nephew Danny Tonjes; and ex-wife Bonnie Sturgis.
Arrangements are under the direction of Terpening & Son Mortuary. Condolences may be expressed online at www.artesiafunerals.com.
