Sturdivant, prominent politican/farmer, dies at home

GLENDORA — Mike P. Sturdivant, a two-time gubernatorial candidate and fourth-generation Delta farmer, has died. He was 85.

Officials with Wilson and Knight Funeral Home told the Associated Press that Sturdivant died today at his home on the Due West Plantation near Glendora. Funeral services are pending.

Mike Sturdivant Jr. told the Greenwood Commonwealth his father had been in declining health for the past year.

Sturdivant was an unsuccessful candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor in 1983 and 1987.

Mike Sturdivant Jr. says his father had remained active until recently with the family’s 12,000-acre farming operation.

The elder Sturdivant served as chairman of the state College Board and as board chairman of Methodist hospital systems in Memphis.

Survivors include his wife, Ygondine, four sons and a daughter.