NATCHEZ – Services for Leland Gayle Sturgis, 80, of Natchez, who died Thursday, May 13, 2010, at his residence, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Victor Stewart, Pastor C. M. Grayson and Pastor Don Slider officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time today at the church.

Mr. Sturgis was born Oct. 7, 1929, in Natchez, the son of James Gayle and Decie Mae Crum Sturgis.

He retired from International Paper Company after 47 years of service. After retiring he loved to work in his wood shop making crafts for friends and relatives. He was a devoted husband for 63 years and a wonderful father to his children. He loved the Lord and was a faithful member of the First Assembly of God for many years and for the past 13 years became a member of the Church of God. At both churches he was Sunday School Superintendant, song leader and served anywhere he was needed.

Mr. Sturgis was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bernice Sturgis; four brothers, Clayton Spillman, James William Sturgis, Homer Jamelle Sturgis and Marvin Eugene Sturgis; one great-grandson, David Wilson Varnado.

Survivors include three daughters, Linda Varnado of Natchez, Pamela Tracy of Memphis, Tenn. and Barbara Hinson of Natchez; 10 grandchildren, Bill Varnado of Jackson, Charlie Varnado of Natchez, Thomas Tracy Jr. of Franklin, Tenn., Lacie McElwee of Natchez, Dustin Smith of Natchez, Sarah Hinson of Natchez, Kendra Hinson Warren of Brookhaven, Megan Hinson, Taylor Hinson and Britton Hinson, all of Natchez; and eight great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Patt, Perry Ferguson, Jerry Kimball, Donnie Kimball, Randy Beach and David Cupstid.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lairdfh.com.