Obituary of William Carl Sturkie

WEST COLUMBIA - William Carl “Bill” Sturkie, 96, of West Columbia, widower of Finley Olea Roland Sturkie, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2020 at Agape Hospice House.

Born December 21, 1923 in Columbia, SC, he was the son of Franklin and Julia Almetta Williams Sturkie. Following his schooling, he joined the United States Army and proudly served his country in WWII. He was a medic in the 104th Timberwolves division where he spent time in Germany and France. After completing his tour of duty, Bill was educated and trained as an Entomologist and again served his country as a civilian at Fort Jackson Army Base for over 40 years. Bill loved everything outdoors, fishing, camping, gardening and baseball. He was an avid USC Gamecocks and Atlanta Braves fan; he often told his family that he was a “Braves fan all the way back to when they were in Boston”. Above all, Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He instilled the importance of family to all he met.

Bill is survived by two daughters, Margie House and Vivian Adkins both of Lexington; three sons, Thomas Sturkie (Maryanne) of the Philippines, Donnie Sturkie (Karen) of Lexington and Jeffrey Sturkie (Suzie) of West Columbia; 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 4 great great- grandchildren and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Gunter, Lola Bailey and Annie Ruth Dixon, and three brothers, Eugene, Harry and Roy Sturkie.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 AM, Friday, June 12th at Thompson Funeral Home Lexington Chapel with the Rev. Joseph Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Celestial Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until the hour of service.

Pallbearers will be Michael Sturkie, Jamie Blackmon, Zack Chaney and Jarett Adkins.

The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials please do so to Hidden Wounds at www.hiddenwounds.org/.

Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington is assisting the Sturkie family.