Robert Clay Sturgill's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our father, Robert (Bob) Clay Sturgill, a fifty-year resident of Leesburg, VA who went to be with the Lord on May 23rd, 2025 at the age of 88. Bob was adored by his family, friends, community, and will be missed.
Bob was born and raised in Norton, Virginia and was the youngest of five children. The tales of his youth (which could have made a great Netflix series) may or may not have led to being “asked” to leave a few high schools yet he graduated Norton High School in 1954 and joined the United States Air Force. This event forever changed his life and developed into a lifelong passion for aviation and air traffic safety. Upon leaving the service in 1961, he began his career as an air traffic controller with the Federal Aviation Administration.
Bob was legendary in the Air Traffic Control community. As a founding member and Vice President of the former Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO), he made significant contributions by encouraging the FAA to update the radar and communications systems which we still use today. Bob had stepped down from that position prior to the 1981 air traffic controller strike and - at great personal risk - encouraged the controller community not to participate in a strike. In 1982 he formed a group name the Concerned Air Traffic Controllers who travelled the country meeting with air traffic controllers to discourage them from joining the strike that PATCO had organized. His passion and professionalism as an air traffic controller for 31 years was evident to all who knew him.
Bob made friends easily. He was quick to laugh, was an epic storyteller, and had a gift of putting those around him at ease. When he called you “friend” that meant for life, and he was blessed to have so many.
Bob’s personal life could easily be defined by his love of golf and surrounded himself with those who loved it. An avid player (he rarely told you his real handicap) he played almost every day. Most, if not all, of his lifelong friendships were formed on the course. He would play anywhere, with anybody, in any condition, and would famously join in on any first tee Nassau bet (see handicap note above).
Bob is survived by his loving wife Irene Sturgill of fifty years. Bob leaves behind four children. Daughter Catherine Sturgill, son Clay Sturgill (wife Julie), son Ryan Sturgill (wife Lauren) and favorite child, daughter Renee Grace (husband Pat). The grandchildren whom he will watch over are Amanda, Sam, Max, William (Will), Kelly, Bobby and John (Johnny). Bob will always be remembered for the love, the laughter and the respect that he provided all of his family.
Bob requested that his remembrance service be a lighthearted “party” to be held in his honor at Raspberry Falls Country Club grill room on July 9th, 2025 between the hours of 4pm and 7pm. His family requests in lieu of flowers we would appreciate your kind thoughts and prayers as you recall a fond memory of Bob. Those attending his celebration of life are free to come prepared with a light-hearted story or two.
May you Rest in Peace, Dad. You gave us your love, devotion and a wonderful example. You will always be remembered for the blessing you were in our lives.
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