David Lee Sturgill

Dave Sturgill passed away peacefully at his home on June 22, 2024 following a two-and-a-half year battle with cancer. Like most challenges that he faced, Dave handled his cancer battle with courage, determination, and a sense of humor to the very end.
Born in Erwin, TN on October 19, 1961 to Lee and Bonnie Sturgill, Dave moved to Michigan as a young child, where he spent the first two-thirds of his life. Dave served as a combat engineer in the United States Marines from 1981 to 1987, after which he embarked on a 30+ year career in health, safety, and human resources. Dave served as Health and Safety Director for several companies throughout his distinguished career. He was respected by colleagues for his practical solutions and commitment to the safety of his co-workers. Dave's career brought him back to his birth state of Tennessee in 2003, where he and his family established roots and spent the rest of Dave's life.
While in Michigan, Dave met and married his beloved wife Sherry (Smith) Sturgill, with whom he achieved the proudest accomplishment of his life: raising son, Kyle, and daughter, Emilee. Dave was a dedicated father who instilled many of his greatest qualities into his children by leading through example.
Dave's loved ones find great comfort in the fact that Dave's wisdom, patience, and love will live on through Kyle and Emilee.
Dave possessed a humility and quiet confidence that put others at ease. He will be remembered for his sharp wit and easy-going nature. Dave made countless wonderful friends from all walks of life, several who regularly visited him and his family for extended weekends at their Tennessee home. Fond memories were made at the cornhole tournament that Dave hosted annually at his home for years, attended by friends and family from near and far, and the annual Sturgill family reunion held in Boone, North Carolina. In addition to cornhole, Dave excelled at boxing (in his younger years), golf, and bowling. Dave was also an avid fan of nearly all televised sports, with a particular devotion to his beloved Michigan Wolverines and Tennessee Volunteers. However, there was no sport that Dave loved to watch more than whatever sport his children were participating in at any given time.
Dave was preceded in death by his father Lee Sturgill, father-in-law Richard Smith, and sister-in-law Lori Smith. He is survived by his wife, Sherry, son Kyle, daughter Emilee, mother Bonnie, brother Mark (Naomi) Sturgill, mother-in-law Kay Smith, brother-in-law Tim Smith, brother-in-law Phil (Barb) Smith, sister-in-law Suzy Smith, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Dave was devoted to his Christian faith, which grew throughout his life. He and Sherry were both re-baptized in May 2024.
Above all, Dave will be remembered for his unending commitment to his family and his ability to enjoy life to its fullest. Dave was the embodiment of a "good man." Dave's family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the many friends and family who have provided the family with comfort throughout Dave's hard fought cancer battle. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Dave's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The family will receive friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 4-7pm with the funeral service to follow at 7pm with Pastor Wayne Phillips officiating. www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com