Home » Bill Sturgill, coal pioneer in Kentucky, dies at age 89

Bill Sturgill, coal pioneer in Kentucky, dies at age 89

Visitation is Tuesday, memorial service Wednesday

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 21, 2014) — Bill Sturgill, a prominent figure in the Kentucky coal, horse and toabcco industry, and a former UK player under Adolph Rupp, died on Saturday at the age of 89.

Bill Sturgill averaged 2.36 points per game for UK from 1944-46.
Bill Sturgill averaged 2.36 points per game for UK from 1944-46.

Born in Lackey on July 31, 1924, Sturgill graduated from UK in 1946.

Sturgill formed Kentucky Oak Mining in 1959, building the largest coal auger in the world. He later developed the Golden Oak Mining Co.

He served 18 years on the UK board of trustees, was chairman for 10 years, and was instrumental in bringing Rick Pitino to UK. Sturgill also served as a trustee of Pikeville College and was chairman from 1990-1995.

He organized and served as president of the Hazard Independent College Foundation in the 1950s, and contributed to setting up the Community College System.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday at Lexington’s Second Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Burial will be private. Contributions can be made to Hospice of the Bluegrass.