Earl Brooks Studstill

Earl Brooks Studstill, age 78, passed away on March 9, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida. He was born on March 24, 1947, in Plant City, Florida, and spent much of his life as a resident of the Lakeland area.

Earl was a highly skilled master mechanic whose knowledge and passion for automotive work became well known among family, friends, and colleagues. He retired from the Polk County School Board Transportation Department, where he dedicated many years to maintaining and servicing the school system's bus fleet, ensuring safe transportation for generations of students throughout the community.

His mechanical abilities were rooted in a lifetime of experience. During his service in the United States Army as a Vietnam veteran, Earl worked in the motor pool, where he further honed his skills working on military vehicles. Long before that, he had already begun developing his talent while growing up in his grandfather's junkyard, learning the inner workings of automobiles and discovering how almost anything mechanical could be repaired, rebuilt, or reimagined.

Outside of his work, Earl was a man of many creative interests. He loved building street rods and had a deep appreciation for all things automotive. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time around water whenever he could. Known for his remarkable creativity, Earl had a unique talent for transforming ordinary metal objects; spoons, scrap pieces, and stray materials, into artistic creations that fascinated family and friends. His eye for seeing art where others saw scrap was truly special. At one time, he also enjoyed flying model airplanes, another hobby that reflected his love of craftsmanship and mechanical ingenuity.

Earl shared 58 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Frieda Studstill, who preceded him in death in 2024. Their long and devoted marriage was a testament to their deep love and commitment to one another.

He is survived by his son, Travis Studstill; his grandson, Eric Studstill; his brother, Paul Studstill; and his sisters, Raynell Henderson and her husband Dennis, Donna Baxter and her husband Jeff, Janet Delamielleure, and Bobbie Jean Hirsh. He will also be remembered fondly by extended family members, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the SPCA. Earl and his wife Frieda had a deep admiration for animals, especially those without homes or proper care; and greatly appreciated the work the SPCA does to help animals and support members of the community who need assistance caring for them.

Earl will be remembered for his mechanical brilliance, artistic creativity, love of family, and kind heart toward both people and animals. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the many things he built, repaired, and created throughout his life.