John “Harvey” Sterling, 83, of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away on Monday, January 18, 2021 in his home. He was born on September 15, 1937 in Greenwood, Arkansas to John Dee and Frances (Page) Sterling Brickey. He was a retired freight rate administrator at Arkansas Best Freight Trucking Company. He was an Air Force Veteran and also served in the 188th Air National Guard. He formerly was on the board of directors of the Fort Smith Senior Center and was a long time member of First Baptist Church of Fort Smith. He was preceded in death by his father John Sterling and his mother and step father Frances and Guy Brickey.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Betty of the home; a daughter, Debbie Verucchi and her husband Mike of Springdale, AR; two sons, Mark Sterling and his wife Rozanne of Greenwood, AR and Butch Sterling and his wife Teresa of Fort Smith; a sister, Janet Perry of Fort Smith; three brothers, Therral Sterling and Phil and Roger Brickey all of Fort Smith; 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
A private family graveside with honors will be held at the U.S. National Cemetery under the direction of Ocker-Putman Funeral Home of Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Mr. Sterling may be viewed from 1-5PM on Thursday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Fort Smith Senior Center; SRCA P.O. Box 181030 Fort Smith, AR 72918.