Charles Sturgis

Charles Neil Sturgis, son of the late Neil and Corinne Sturgis, passed away with his family by his side on January 21, 2018. Born on March 31, 1927, he was 90 years old. Mr. Sturgis was a veteran, having served honorably in the United States Coast Guard during World War II. After returning home to Monroe, Mr. Sturgis attended Wingate College and The Cinncinati Mortuary College. Upon graduation, Mr. Sturgis returned to Monroe to begin a career with McEwens Funeral Home. He worked there many years until leaving to accept an offer from the Chamber of Commerce. After several years with the Chamber, Mr. Sturgis was recruited to become Head of Personnel for Yale and Towne Lock and Hardware. Mr Sturgis remained in that position for many years until he joined Scovill Corporation as their Personnel Director. In later years, Yale and Towne merged with Eaton Corporation and Mr. Sturgis was asked to become Head of Personnel for Eaton. He remained with Eaton for many years until his retirement. Mr. Sturgis was also an active, leading citizen for Monroe and Union County, always eager to serve his community. In 1980 he was selected as Man of the Year in addition to becoming president of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Rotary Club and served on numerous Boards such as the ABC Board, United Carolina Bank, and the United Way just to name a few. He also served two years as president of the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Mr. Sturgis was a devoted member of Central United Methodist Church. Never one to remain inactive, Mr. Sturgis also returned to his very first job, McEwens Funeral Home, and worked there part-time until fully retiring in late 2015. Mr. Sturgis is survived by his daughter Kathy Ward and her husband Ronnie from Winchester VA and his son Neil Sturgis and his wife DyAnn of Indian Land, SC. His wife of 66 years, Katrina Pigg Sturgis, predeceased him in 2016. His sister, Bettie Sturgis Secrest predeceased him in 2013. Mr. Sturgis is also survived by his Brother-in-Law Billy Pigg and his wife Bobbie of Pageland SC, his Brother-in-Law Attaway Rivers of Ruby, SC and a Sister-in-Law Sue Pigg of Virginia Beach, VA. Mr. Sturgis has five grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Sturgis is additionally survived by his loving caregivers Earnest and Karen Rushing, Mable Glenn, Daphney Blount, Doris Robinson, Nilda Berrios and his faithful companion, Sissy. The family will receive friends Friday January 26, 2018 from 12:30pm until 1:30pm at Central United Methodist Church. A service to celebrate Mr. Sturgis's life will begin at 2:00pm. Interment will follow in Lakeland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Union County, 700 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe, NC 28110 or to Central United Methodist Church, 801 S. Hayne Street, Monroe, NC 28112. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.mcewenmonroechapel.com.