Mr. Sterling Wimbish

Sterling Wimbish Jr., lovingly referred to as “Champ”, was born on February 21, 1962 in Tuskegee, AL, the second child and eldest son of the late Sterling Wimbish Sr. and Wilma Jeter Wimbish. He transitioned to his heavenly home on Saturday, January 30, 2021 in Dothan, Alabama.

As a child, he first discovered and showcased his love for music at Solomon Chapel AME Zion where he initially showed his love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Champ was a committed,                 enthusiastic, and talented musician. He began playing the piano at the early age of eight under the guidance of Ms. Vashti Porter. He continued to share his love for music with several churches by serving as a musician at Washington Chapel AME, Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Tuskegee and surrounding areas. He later moved to Dothan, AL and was able to continue his expression through music at Greater Beulah Missionary Baptist Church and First Missionary Baptist Church for many years playing in countless weddings, funerals, community programs, and workshops until the current global pandemic surfaced and his health began to fail.

Champ received his early education at St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Tuskegee Institute High School in Tuskegee, AL. Upon completing high school, he attended Tuskegee University where he   received a B.S. in Animal and Poultry Sciences in August 1985 and post-graduate studies from Troy State University in June 1996 where he earned his Masters of Science. He had an extraordinarily strong work ethic. He was employed with Alabama Department of Public Health in the STD division for over thirty years and happily retired in March 2020.

Champ was extremely dedicated to his family. He was united in holy matrimony to Theresa Ann Jones on August 21, 1987. From this union three children were nurtured and loved: Sterling Wimbish III of Phoenix, AZ, Akias Polynice Wimbish of Jacksonville, FL, and Chelsey Shaquerias Wimbish of  Birmingham, AL.

He leaves to cherish his memories one brother, Millard B. Wimbish of Tuskegee, AL and two sisters, Linda W. (Glen) Peoples of Tuskegee, AL and D. Michelle Wimbish of Opelika, AL. Champ had a     special and unique bond with his nieces and nephew, Cherice Ambers (Tuskegee, AL), Phyllis (Markus) Palmer (Montgomery AL), Delicia Peoples (Tuskegee, AL), Dinah (Miles) Robinson (Atlanta, GA), Angel N. Jones (Opelika, AL), and Darryl (DJ) Grayson Jr. (Birmingham, AL); a special bond with a child he loved dearly, Konner Gaskin, mother-in-law, Ruby Nell Jones; sister-in-law, Arlesia       Grayson; godparents, Rev. and Mrs. Joseph (Gloria) III Ellington (Enterprise, AL) and an abundance of relatives and friends remain to cherish and treasure his memories.