STEVEN P. STERLING, SR. 55, died Friday, May 27, 2011 at his home in Crisfield after a series of health complications.

He was born January 27, 1956, in Crisfield, to the late James T. and Betty (Evans) Sterling of Crisfield.

Steve was a 1974 graduate of Atlantic High School in Oak Hall, VA. He served in the US Navy, was a former police officer with the Crisfield Police Department, and a retired correctional officer with the Maryland State Department of Corrections. He was a member of the Lower Somerset County Ambulance and Rescue Squad, and a long-time volunteer with the Crisfield Little League and Softball Leagues.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Ruth Ellen Justice Sterling, of Crisfield; two sons, James Sterling and wife Kelly of Salisbury and Steven P. Sterling, Jr. and fiancé Jennifer Anderson of Fruitland; a daughter, Stephanie Sterling of Crisfield; a special niece, Maria Thornton of New Bern, NC; three grandchildren, Justin Anderson and Emily Sterling of Fruitland, and Kaylin Sterling of Salisbury; a brother, David Sterling of Arlington, VA; a sister, Terry Baylis of Greenbackville, VA; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service with military honors will be held Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 2 PM at Asbury United Methodist Church in Crisfield where friends may call one hour prior. The Rev. Eddie Daniels will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Steve's memory to Lower Somerset County Ambulance and Rescue Squad, LSCARS, P.O. Box 406, Crisfield, MD 21817.

Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield. To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com