Freddie Ray Sturdivant

Freddie Ray Sturdivant, Sr., 72, of Valdosta, passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at South GA Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was born on November 10, 1945 in Fort Worth, TX to the late Freddie Herman Sturdivant and Lou Ella Welch Sturdivant. Mr. Sturdivant was retired from the Ford Motor Company where he was better known as GI Joe. He was a United States Navy veteran having proudly served his country in Vietnam, a member of Bemiss United Methodist Church and an avid classic car lover.
He is survived his spouse of 23 years, Janet E. Sturdivant, by his sons and daughter-in-laws, Freddie Sturdivant Jr. (Tanya) of Ohio and Wade Allan Sturdivant (Angie) of Georgia. He leaves behind cherished memories with his grandchildren , Sierra Sturdivant, Cody Sturdivant, Zachery Sturdivant, Luke Sturdivant, Conner Sturdivant, Gregory and Jack. He also had many special friends whom he loved as family and they loved him in return. Kristy Stevens Vincent (Tenn) was the daughter he never had and they loved each other, special friends loved as family Shirley Mallory and Cathy Ware of Valdosta, Ga. He also had 3 very dear life long friends whom he loved and were better known as brothers Tony Mallory (Ga),Tim Raimey (W.Va) and Mike Ahearns (Mi). Before returning home to Georgia, Freddie made memories for many years in Michigan at his favorite coffee spot , known by many different names over the years, but most recently called Big Sky Diner. So to all those that drank coffee and talked cars every morning with Joe, Ray, aka GI Joe he bids you all a final farewell and he loved that place and the people who filled the seats.
A graveside funeral service will be held Saturday, October 20, 2018 at eleven a. m. at Cat Creek Cemetery. Burial will follow. The family will receive friends Friday from six until eight p. m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.mclanecares.com.
Carson McLane Funeral Home.