Freddie Lee Sturdivant, Jr. 1951-2012

I lost my big brother this week to Melanoma.  It doesn't matter how old you get, losing your big brother leaves a huge, gaping hole in your life.  I hate cancer.  It robs us of so many each year.  God, in His Sovereignty, holds our hearts during our grief.  I'm so thankful. Here is the beautiful obituary my sweet husband, Bram, wrote for Freddie.

Freddie Lee Sturdivant, Jr. of Kyle, TX passed peacefully from life to life at 12:25pm Thursday, August 30, 2012 in the presence of his family and close friends after a courageous battle against Melanoma Cancer.

Freddie was born on August 17, 1951 to Lee and Patsy Sturdivant in Buda, TX, the oldest of five children. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Scott and Mr. and Mrs. Fred B. Sturdivant; his father, Freddie Lee Sturdivant, Sr. and his brother, Mark Scott Sturdivant. He is survived by his beloved wife, Norma Salinas Sturdivant of Kyle; his sons, Jared Scott Sturdivant, and wife Jessica of Dallas; Judson Blake Sturdivant of New York; daughter, Staci Salinas of Kyle and the two little lights of his life, granddaughters Leigh Josephine Sturdivant and Katherine Grace Sturdivant, both of Dallas. Freddie is also survived by his Mother, Patsy “Lou” Sturdivant; brother J.D. Sturdivant; sisters Cyndi Creghan and Sandi Floria and her husband Bram, all of Kyle; In-laws Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Martinez of Roma, TX, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and countless friends that loved him dearly.

Freddie was a member of the first graduating class of Hays High School, and an accomplished athlete in football, basketball and track. He lived his first passion – family – till the very end and his second – fishing – nearly as long. A civic-minded community volunteer and mentor to many, Freddie coached a generation of boys through Hays County Little League. He was instrumental in the Hays Baseball Youth Program and development of the Hays County Youth Sports Complex. With one hand in the smokebox, and the other stirring a pot of his famous beans, he was a fixture behind the pit at an untold number of BBQ fundraisers.

His hardworking and generous spirit earned him the family nickname “Mr. Fix-it” and it showed in his professional reputation. For 40 years he was a recognized expert in refrigeration, air conditioning, electrical contracting, construction and creative design, most recently as a facilities and presentation specialist for FreeBirds Restaurants.

Freddie professed his faith in Jesus Christ at an early age, and grew into a patient, wise and discerning counselor able and willing to encourage anyone who needed it. A father to many who needed one, his influence extends far beyond what can be printed here.

A Celebration of Life ceremony was held at Harrell Funeral Home, FM 2770 and Kohler's Crossing, Kyle TX, at 4pm, September 2, 2012. Rev. Buddy Johnson of Buda Baptist Church presiding.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family encourages memorial gifts toMelanoma Research Foundation athttp://www.melanoma.org/community/memorialsor send a check to Melanoma Research Foundation, P.O. Box 759329, Baltimore, MD 21275-9329. Make check payable to: Melanoma Research Foundation.