Willard Richard Sterling, Sr.

Willard Richard (Tootie) Sterling, Sr. died peacefully surrounded by his family on April 15, 2019, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 87.

Willard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joicy Hanks Sterling; children, Willard Sterling, Jr. (Steven Vinson) of Palm Springs California; Debra Gray of San Antonio Texas; Kimberly Sterling of San Francisco, California; and Paula Rienstra (David) of San Antonio, Texas. He leaves behind grandchildren, Christina Schloeffel, (Dave) of San Antonio, Nicholas Rienstra (Suzanne) of San Antonio, Geoffrey Rienstra (Michelle) of San Diego, California, Matthew Rienstra of San Antonio; great-grandchildren, Harrison and Mollie Schloeffel, Easton, Madden and Samantha Rienstra, and Sterling and Lyndon Rienstra; brothers, Demp Sterling of Hemphill, Texas. Roland Sterling of Beaumont and James Sterling of Beaumont also survive him.

He is preceded in death by parents, Murphy and Mollie Sterling; brothers, MF Sterling and Robert Sterling; and sisters, Gloria Merindino and Betty Cone.

Willard was born on August 29,1931, in Beaumont, Texas. He graduated from Beaumont High School in 1950. A talented baseball pitcher in high school, Willard became a minor-league pitcher with the Evangeline League’s Crowley, LA Millers. It was in Crowley he met his wife. After serving in the US Army’s Special Services, playing baseball, Willard, Joicy and family settled in Beaumont, where he worked for Nabisco, retiring after 33 years.

In addition to being a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend, he was passionate about gardening, fishing and travel. His love for food was enhanced through his love of cooking for his family. He enjoyed sharing his family legacies through his storytelling.  

A Rosary for Mr. Sterling will be recited at 6:00 p.m., with a gathering of his family and friends to follow, Sunday, April 21, 2019, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m., Monday, April 22, 2019, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont, with a reception to follow. His graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at Woodlawn Cemetery, South Avenue F, Crowley, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Matityahu Homeless Ministries Inc., 7365 Concord Road, Beaumont, Texas 77708.