Virgil Fred Sterling

Virgil Fred Sterling, received his wings at the gates of heaven on Friday, December 30, 2016. He left this Earth peacefully, comforted by his wife and family. He was 82 years old. Virgil was born in Riverside, TX on April 15, 1934 to the late Fred Callie Sterling and Ella Lee Sterling. He attended public school and graduated from Huntsville High School, Class of 1952. Upon graduating high school, in July of 1952, Virgil enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country in the Navy during the Korean War. Upon completing his service, he returned to Walker County and attended Sam Houston State University and graduated with a degree in accounting. Virgil married his wife of 58 years, Janice Faye Horne Sterling on November 1, 1958. In 1959 they welcomed their first child, Sharon Lee Sterling Reynolds and five years later, their family was complete with the birth of their second daughter, Carolyn Sterling Ivey Flores. After working for trucking companies early on in his marriage, the family found themselves moving state to state, but in 1969, Virgil settled the family back in Walker County. After dappling with different career opportunities, he went to work for Champion International where he later retired. Virgil and Janice’s favorite thing to do, during their retirement, was to travel the United States and Canada. With Virgil behind the wheel and Janice navigating, they saw the most beautiful sites together. Virgil will be deeply missed by his family and those closest to him. His love for hunting, fishing, and traveling have been handed down to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Callie Sterling and Ella Lee Sterling, his daughter, Carolyn Sterling Ivey Flores and son-in-law, Manny Flores. His survivors include his beloved wife of 58 years, Janice Faye Horne Sterling, his daughter, Sharon Lee Sterling Reynolds, son-in-law, James Carroll (Buddy) Reynolds, goddaughter, Rebekah Steely Brooker, sisters Anna Lee Sterling Cooley, Rebecca Carolyn Sterling Steely, and Lois Sterling Brown, grandchildren James Carroll Reynolds, II, Murphy Milton Reynolds, Annie Lee Reynolds, Aaron Ivey, and Justin Ivey, and great grandchildren Paislee Love Reynolds, James Carroll “Trace” Reynolds III, and Milton McCoy Reynolds, as well many other family, extended family, and close friends. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2017, at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home. Services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Northside Baptist Church.

Virgil Fred Sterling

April 15, 1934 - December 30, 2016