SMYRNA - William Edward Sturgis went home peacefully to be with the Lord on Sept. 20, 2013, at his home after an extended illness in the company of his loving wife, Shirley, and family. William was born on Dec. 31, 1948 near Snow Hill, Md. to the late Reece William Sturgis and Maisie Taylor Sturgis Collins. William was a very special and gentle man. Whomever he met was touched by his manner in an unforgettable way. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend who took great joy in being with family and friends. William received his formal education in the public schools of Worchester County, Md. and after graduation he went into the military. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and received an Honorable Discharge. He also received the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Combat Medal, and the Sharp Shooter Medal for the M116. He worked as a Machinist for over 40 years. He was employed with Del Steel of Wilmington, Del.; Able Machine Shop of Newport, Del.; and most recently Diamond State Machining Inc. of Farmington, Del. William was a member of the Pentecostals of Dover, (PODD) church in Dover, where he served as Greeter, Altar Worker, Dave Ramsey Financial, Peace course facilitator, and various volunteer duties. Mr. Sturgis was preceded in death by his son, William Sturgis, Jr.; sister, Inez; and brothers, Andrew and Jessie. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his mother, Maisie Taylor Sturgis Collins; brothers, Larry, Benjamin (Sandy), Donald (Jackie), Reece (Crystal), and Ronnie; daughters, Inez and Erin; step-children, Desiree, Rodney (Kandece), and Sidney (Amber); aunt, Dorothy Wharton; as well as a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Celebration of Life will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, 2013 at Pentecostals of Dover, 4462 W. Denney's Road, Dover. Viewing will be 8 to 9 a.m. only. Interment Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro, DE.