Wendell Sherwood Sturdivant, Sr., 72, departed this life on Saturday, January 1, 2022. Born Tuesday, September 13,1949, in Newport News, Virginia, he was the son of the late Ashland D. Sturdivant, Jr. and Louise Cooke Sturdivant.

Wendell attended the public schools in Newport News and was a proud member of the Huntington High School Vikings Class of 1967. After graduation, he attended Norfolk State University for two years and then joined the United States Navy where he was stationed in the Bahamas. After serving his country, he returned to Newport News, and began a long and distinguished career at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. Wendell worked as a Nuclear Pipefitter in X-42 for forty-two years and retired as a Master Shipbuilder.

Wendell was known for being an intelligent, obedient, respectable, well- mannered, yet outspoken person, whom his neighbors and peers adored. As a man of God, he took pride in always helping others. Wendell loved Christ, enjoyed the beauty of life, and loved his family and friends, especially his late childhood best friend Wayne Wilson. He had an old soul and enjoyed reminiscing on good times.

An avid reader and history buff, Wendell enjoyed discussing politics and catching up on current events. He was a big Philadelphia Eagles fan. He also enjoyed relaxing with a good drink while playing his PlayStation after work and in retirement.

Wendell made many friends during his years at the Shipyard, and after his retirement, he enjoyed catching up with his other retired buddies from the Shipyard in the morning/afternoon at Hardee's or the park to talk politics, world news, or general conversation.

Wendell was a devoted husband to the late Geraldine Holloway Sturdivant; a loving and doting father to son, Wendell Jr.; his daughter, Shonda; and stepdaughter, Rita Holloway. He was a great big brother to Ashland, III (Craig) and to his late sister, Iris Cooke Kennedy. He was also a very involved grandfather to Christian Sturdivant, where he made sure to attend every football, basketball game and practice of Christian's.

Wendell was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Cooke Sturdivant; father, Ashland D. Sturdivant Jr.; sister, Iris Cooke Kennedy; and his loving wife of forty-four years, Geraldine H. Sturdivant.

Left to cherish fond memories are his brother, Ashland D. Sturdivant, III (Craig); son, Wendell S. Sturdivant, Jr.; daughter, Shonda M. Sturdivant; stepdaughter, Rita Holloway; a special grandson, Christian D. Sturdivant; nephew, Craishaw Robertson; three sisters-in-law, Josephine Reaves, Ethel Jean Golden, and Beulah Reese; two brothers-in-law, George "Kid" Holloway, and Sheppard Carmichael; and numerous other family members and friends.

There will be a viewing on Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 3-6 p.m. at the funeral home and a Celebration of Wendell's Life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, January 14, 2022 at O .H. Smith & Son Funeral Home.

O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.