Herbert Lee Sturdivant

Herbert Lee Sturdivant, age 88, of Independence, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 17, 2026 at Pulaski Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Herbert was born on March 17, 1938 to the late Lynn and Alla Rose Wingate Sturdivant.

In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his wife, Virginia Louise Sturdivant, his eight siblings, Dewey, Fred, Thomas, Bessie, Ruth, Betty, Curtis and Dorothy. He was also proceeded in death by his beloved step daughter, Mary Rutherford Dolinger.

He is survived by his 4 grandchildren and spouses, Kristy (Lee) Groseclose of Pulaski VA, Amanda Hammond (Marie Puccio) of Kernersville NC, Allen (Karen) Rutherford of Independence VA and Angel (Keith) Weddle of Marion VA.

Herbert is survived by 8 great grandchildren, Kiley Smith, Ruger Groseclose, Kaitlyn Rutherford, Lane Rutherford, Addison Weddle, Samuel Weddle, McKayla Weddle, and Elijah Weddle.

Surviving also, nephew, James Michael Sturdivant of Maryland, brother in law Bill Snyder of Ohio, and special neice, Audrey Kerr of Ohio, step son, Harvey Rutherford of Independence and step son in law Bobby Dolinger of Independence.

To know Herbert, was an absolute honor. He was the most kind, loving and giving man anyone could ever know, whether it be family or a friend. He will also be remembered for his delicious banana pudding.

Herbert often talked of his early childhood where he and his eight siblings helped worked the family farm, where they raised and grew the families food, and going to the local store with a dozen of eggs to trade for what the family needed. His proudest story was when he told that his father came rushing home one day and telling his mother to put the horses up, because The Lord had called him to preach. From that day on, his father was a Baptist preacher for 47 years.

In his early adulthood, Herbert joined the United States Army. He served as a front line machine Gunnist until he was honrorably discharged on December 31, 1967.

He also worked in road construction where he helped build the Big Walker Mountain tunnel, and in his later years worked at Webbs Furniture as a forklift driver. After suffering a serious injury, he then retired and cared for his wife until her death in 2004.

Herbert's greatest joy for the past 20 years was being a great grandpa and best friend to his great grandaugher, Kiley. The two of them shared a special bond and a kind of love like no other.

Herbert will be forever remembered for his great love for his family, and his loving generous soul.

Mr. Sturdivant's family would like to thank Pulaski Health and Rehabilitation Center for the care they provided during his stay, and a very special thank you to Herbert's favorite and beloved nurse, Hunter Neice.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026 at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home at 2:00 PM with Bro. Matthew Adams and Grayson VFW Post 7726 officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association The Central and Western Virginia Chapter 4600 Cox Road Suite 130 Glen Allen, VA 23060.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Sturdivant family.