Obituary of Sonny James Sturkie

Sonny “Bubba” James Sturkie returned to his heavenly home on Friday, September 14, 2018.  A lifetime resident of Gaston, Bubba was born October 22, 1955.  He had a love for building things at an early age and went on to follow in his father’s footsteps to become a custom home builder. Bubba was a licensed S.C. Homebuilder for over 30 years during which he earned numerous awards. As co-owner of Sonny Sturkie & Sons Builders, he and his father Sonny enjoyed being one of South Carolina’s largest builders for over 20 years. Bubba went on to found S&S Construction where he would spend the remainder of his career.  He was passionate in all aspects of building and proudly worked on renovations at the Governor’s Mansion and finished his career doing commercial motel construction.

Bubba was an enthusiastic fan of NASCAR and the Clemson Tigers. He enjoyed cooking Sunday dinner and sitting on the back porch with his dogs. He was most dedicated to those he loved dearest, his grandchildren, Lexi and Jimmy; his daughters, Misti and Cristen; and his wife, Denise.

He was the son of Sonny Sturkie and Velma “Bootsie” Spradley and the grandson of Lizzie Mae and Norris Spradley and Maydell Sharpe Copeland and J.C. “Jiggs” Copeland. He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Rhonda Sturkie; his nephew, Jessie Sturkie; and his brother-in-law, Stan Jeffcoat.

Bubba leaves behind his loving wife, Denise Decaria Sturkie; daughters, Dr. Misti Sturkie Raman (Dr. Jim) and Cristen Sturkie; and grandchildren, Lexi and Jimmy Raman. He also leaves behind step-daughter, Michelle (Bill) Hiler; and step-grandchildren, Adam Decaria and Olivia Hiler.

Surviving him are his brothers and sisters, Beverly “Susie” Cooper, Brenda Jeffcoat, Johnny Sturkie, Shannon Sturkie, Jacy Sturkie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at the First Baptist Church of Gaston. The family will greet friends prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

We would like to thank the Snelling family, Laurel Baye Health Care of Blackville, and Donna Goodwin Hicks of Pathway hospice for the exceptional care, love and compassion given to Bubba and his family during this journey.