Mr. John Arvil Sturgill, better known as Arvil, of West Jefferson died on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014, at Ashe Memorial Hospital in Jefferson. He was 81.

Mr. Sturgill was born on April 14, 1932, in Ashe County to the late Arthur Avery and Ella Barker Sturgill.

In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by a daughter Deborah Lynn Veler; and a brother, Dallas Sturgill.

Mr. Sturgill liked hunting and fishing. He enjoyed spending time with his sons and all his family.

Mr. Sturgill is survived by son, Danny Sturgill of West Jefferson; son, Rick Sturgill of Warrensville; son, Johnny Sturgill of West Jefferson; sister, Lucille Lewis of Forest Hill, Md.; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Rev. Lloyd Day and Brother Ralph Smith. Burial will follow in the Smethport Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel.

Flowers will be appreciated, or memorials may be made to Forest Ridge Assisted Living, 151 Village Park Drive, West Jefferson, NC 28694.

Words of comfort and remembrance may be viewed or sent to the family through our website at www.ashelawn.com.

Ashelawn Memorial Chapel & Gardens was entrusted with Mr. Sturgill's arrangements.