Wilton (Tony) Sturges, III

Long-time professor of oceanography at Florida State University, Wilton (Tony) Sturges, III, died on December 26, 2022. Born in Dothan, AL, Professor Sturges graduated from Dothan High School in 1953. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Perry Kennedy Sturges, their son, William Gould Sturges, and his parents, Wilton Sturges, Jr, and Pearl Williams Sturges, both of Dothan. Surviving him are his daughter, Sarah Frances Sturges of Tallahassee with her son Benjamin Sturges Watts; his son, James Wilton Sturges of Pomona, CA with his son, Keegan Ang-Sturges; and a brother, James Walter Sturges of Greer, SC. Professor Sturges graduated in physics with honors from Auburn University in 1957. He then worked as an Ensign in the US Navy at the US Naval Weapons Laboratory in Dahlgren, VA prior to entering graduate school at Johns Hopkins University in 1960. He received an MS and a PhD from Johns Hopkins, after which he joined the faculty at the University of Rhode Island as an Assistant Professor in 1966. After promotion and tenure, he accepted an appointment at the Florida State University Department of Oceanography in 1972. He retired from FSU in 2001 after serving two separate stints as department chair. Under his leadership, the Oceanography faculty at FSU grew in numbers and earned national and international recognition. Widely recognized as an expert on the Gulf of Mexico, ocean circulation and sea level, Professor Sturges published over 60 scientifically reviewed articles, with his latest appearing in 2021, two decades after receipt of Emeritus status in 2001. In 2005, he co-edited a highly regarded monograph on the Gulf of Mexico circulation. He also served on several committees of the National Academies of Science and Engineering focusing on a variety of oceanographic issues and advised the State of Florida and the Minerals Management Service on oil spill risk assessment. Often sought for service on external review committees, Professor Sturges was known for his objectivity and fairness and his kind touches in all his dealings. Tony was an active and involved member of the Episcopal Church throughout his life. He served on the vestry at both the Chapel of the Resurrection and Holy Comforter Episcopal Churches. In later years, he took on active grandparenting and volunteer roles in his Westminster Oaks retirement community. He had a life-long interest in sailing and astronomy. He was beloved for his warmth and indefatigable sense of humor. A memorial service will be held at 1:00PM on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Tony may be made to the Holy Comforter Episcopal Church Discretionary Fund (https://www.hc-ec.org ). Rocky Bevis of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Sturges family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Wilton (Tony) Sturges, III

July 21, 1935 - December 26, 2022