ALBERT BYRON STERLING, 52, of Hampstead, North Carolina, died Sunday, July 10, 2011 at his home.

Born in Crisfield on June 4, 1959, he was a son of Pat Murphy of Hurlock and the late Luther Ray "Skippo" Sterling.

He retired from the US Army after 23 years of service. He served in the Persian Gulf War and was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, Kuwait Liberation Medal, 2 Meritorious Service Medals as well as many other honorable awards.

He also served seven years in ROTC Programs in Crisfield, MD, Cape Henlopen, DE, Hawaii, and Topsail Beach, NC, where he was still active. These programs excelled with Honors and earned him the title of Raider Godfather. He was a member of the American Legion Post #167 in Hampstead.

Along with his mother, Pat Murphy, he is survived by his wife of 27 years, Shari Sterling; three children, Ryan Albert Sterling of San Antonio, TX, Matthew James Sterling of Princess Anne, MD and Albert Dallas Sterling of Hampstead, NC; his step-father, Michael Murphy of Hurlock; and two grandsons, Matthew Anthony Sterling and Micah James Sterling, both of Princess Anne.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Luther Ray "Guzzy" Sterling; and a sister, Peggy Sterling Davenport.

Funeral services will held on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 12 noon at the Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home where friends may call one hour prior to the service. Rev. Matthew James Sterling and Pastor David Talley will officiate and interment will be in Sunnyridge Memorial Park where full military honors will be conducted by the the U.S. Army.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be sent to Topsail High School ROTC, 17445 US Highway 17, Hampstead, NC 28443.