Ulus E. Sturghill was born in Iredell County, N.C., on May 23,1934, to the late Ulus Love Joy and Julia A. Sturghill. He passed away at his home in Statesville, N.C., on Sunday February 9, 2025.

“Shank,” as he was fondly known by family and friends, was a 1952 graduate of Morningside High School and entered the U.S. Air Force following graduation. He served 22 years and retired honorably as a Master Sergeant in March 1979. While in the Air Force, he graduated from Central State (Wilberforce) University of Ohio with a B.S. in Psychology. He also joined the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the oldest intercollegiate historically African American fraternity, and was an active member. He was extremely proud of the black and gold.

Shank loved his church, Holsey Memorial CME. He served diligently and was instrumental in helping to establish the children’s ministry of giving. He also funded the purchase of Bibles and hymnals for the church.

Although he never married or had children, Shank was a family man. He was the “fun” uncle and loved to tell jokes at family events. He was an avid photographer and the unofficial family reunion and event photographer, leaving behind hundreds of photos for the family to cherish.

He was preceded in death by his siblings May Lois Sturghill, Josephine (James) Millen, and Robert Sturghill.

He leaves to cherish his memory three sisters, Betty J. Sturghill of Statesville, Hilda A. Sturghill of Detroit, Mich., and Claretha S. Spann of Statesville; sister-in-law, Hugette (Robert) Sturghill of Montreal, Canada; nephews and nieces, James (Cynthia) Millen Jr. of Detroit, Mich.; Kenneth (Evelyn) Millen of Detroit, Mich., Gregory (Vanette) Millen of Detroit, Mich.; Ann Millen of Statesville, N.C.; Stephen (Dona) Millen of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Pamela (Leonard) Green of Woodbridge, Va.; Linda (Lanny) Shuford of Statesville, N.C.; Peter Sturghill of Statesville, N.C.; Sharon (Ike) Skinner of Statesville, N.C.; George Sturghill of Statesville, N.C.; and Robert (Jody) Sturghill of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, many other relatives and his dear and special friend, C.W. Walker of Aurora, Colo.

Rutledge & Bigham Funeral Home is serving the family.