Leland Gayle Sturgis
NATCHEZ -- Funeral services for Leland Gayle Sturgis, 80, of Natchez, who died Thursday, May 13, 2010, at his residence, will be 2 p.m., Saturday, May 15, 2010 from First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Victor Stewart, Pastor C. M. Grayson, and Pastor Don Slider officiating.
Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Laird Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, and from 1 p.m. until service time Saturday, both at the church.
Mr. Sturgis was born October 27, 1929, in Natchez, Mississippi, the son of James Gayle and Decie Mae Crum Sturgis. Mr. Sturgis retired from International Paper Company after 47 years of service. After retiring he loved to work in his wood shop making crafts for friends and relatives. He was a devoted husband for 63 years, and a wonderful father to his children. He loved the Lord and was a faithful member of the First Assembly of God for many years and for the past thirteen years became a member of the Church of God. At both Churchs he was Sunday School Superintendant, Song leader, and served anywhere he was needed.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bernice Sturgis; four brothers, Clayton Spillman, James William Sturgis, Homer Jamelle Sturgis and Marvin Eugene Sturgis; one great grandson, David Wilson Varnado.
Survivors include, three daughters, Linda Varnado of Natchez, Pamela Tracy of Memphis, TN, Barbara Hinson of Natchez; 10 grandchildren, Bill Varnado of Jackson, Charlie Varnado of Natchez, Thomas Tracy, Jr. of Franklin, Tenn., Lacie McElwee of Natchez, Dustin Smith of Natchez, Sarah Hinson of Natchez, Kendra Hinson Warren of Brookhaven, MS, Megan Hinson, Taylor Hinson and Britton Hinson all of Natchez; and 8 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Bobby Patt, Perry Ferguson, Jerry Kimball, Donnie Kimball, Randy Beach, and David Cupstid.
(October 27, 1929 - May 13, 2010)