Benjamin C. Sturgill

Benjamin C. Sturgill, M.D. died at his home on June 13, 2004, from complications of heart disease and myeloma. He was born in Wise County, Va. to Kathleen Cole Sturgill, who survives him, and the late, Joseph M. Sturgill. Dr. Sturgill is also survived by his wife, Eleanore; children, Rebecca Sturgill; son-in-law, William Abrams; and their children, Caitlin and Dylan Abrams of Farmville, Va.; and his son, Benjamin C. Sturgill II and his wife, Annette; and their daughter, Isabella of Portland, Ore.; brothers include, Archie G. of St. Petersburg, Fla., William J. of Johnson City, Tenn., and Ronald B. of Burlington, N.C. He was educated at Berea College, Berea, Ky., and the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He interned at New York Hospital, spent two years at the National Institutes of Health and then returned to Charlottesville to join the School of Medicine faculty in the Department of Pathology. In 1991 he became the Associate Dean and Chair of the Committee on Admissions at the School of Medicine, a position he held until his retirement in June 2003. His primary field of interest centered on renal disease. During his tenure at UVA he chaired a number of committees, including the Human Investigation Committee, and the Council on Medical Education. In May 2003, he received the Walter Reed Distinguished Achievement Award from the Medical Alumni Association. Also in 2003, the Department of Pathology established the Benjamin C. Sturgill Lectureship in Renal Disease, which each year will bring a renowned expert in the field to lecture at the University. Ben's participation in musical activities was one of the great joys of his life. He was a founding member of the Youth Orchestra, The Oratorio Society of Charlottesville Albemarle, and Zephyrus. A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 18. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Benjamin C. Sturgill Lectureship Fund, P.O. Box 800904, UVA 22908, or the Joseph and Kathleen Sturgill Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 800773, UVA 22908. A separate memorial service will be held at a later time at the University Chapel. Hill and Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.