Robert J Sturnes' Obituary
Robert J. Sturnes, 78, of Chattanooga, peacefully entered eternal rest on Monday, December 1, 2025, in a local hospital. Born on October 23, 1947, in Montezuma, Georgia, Robert moved to Chattanooga in 1970, where he built a life grounded in hard work, loyalty, and deep love for his family.
In August 1975, Robert married Juliet Readus, with whom he shared 35 years of marriage until her passing in 2010. A devoted husband and father, Robert worked tirelessly to provide for his family—often holding two full-time jobs for more than 30 years at Erlanger Hospital and Planters Life Savers, where he served as a dedicated supervisor at both. Even after retiring, he continued to work part-time at Food City on Hwy 58, demonstrating the strong work ethic for which he was well known.
A lifelong member of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, Robert faithfully served on the Usher Board, supported Environmental Services, and was an active member of the Widow’s Ministry. His faith guided his steps, his character, and his service to others.
Robert was known for his storytelling, his love of sports, and his stern yet caring nature. He enjoyed fishing, was an avid bowler, and could always be counted on for honest wisdom and steady guidance. Above all, he was a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and provided faithfully, ensuring his daughters always had what they needed.
He will be remembered as a devoted father, a loyal worker, a man of faith, and a steady presence in the lives of all who knew him. His legacy of perseverance, service, and love will continue to resonate in the hearts of his family, friends, and community.
Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Juliet R. Sturnes; his mother, Annie Lee Sturnes; and his grandparents, Roland and Fannie Sturnes. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughters, Shenikia Sturnes, Robin Sturnes, and Denise Morris; and grandchildren, all of Chattanooga; his sister, Annie Ussery of Chattanooga; cousins, Phyllis (Cornel) Williams of Houston, TX, and Fannie Mae Carter of Jacksonville, FL; and a host of sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law who loved him dearly, including Jo Ann Cooper, Evelyn (John Lee) Moore, Zebedee Williams, and Bernard Readus. He also has several nieces and nephews that loved him dearly. He also leaves behind special friends, Martha White, Ruth Boykin, and Phillip Gilles, who held a meaningful place in his life.
Robert will lie-in-state on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 9 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 12 noon in the Chapel with Dr. Ternae Jordan, Sr. as the Eulogist. Burial in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.
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