Sterling Eugene Hazelwood

Sterling Eugene Hazelwood, a man of unwavering faith and a pillar of the Drakes Branch community, passed away on January 31, 2026. Born on June 20, 1945, in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, he was the son of the late Orange and Mamie (Duffey) Hazelwood.

Sterling spent time in Halifax County before eventually settling in Drakes Branch. After many years of dedicated service at Burlington Industries, he followed his entrepreneurial spirit and established Hazelwood Lawncare. Through his business, Sterling became a familiar and beloved face in the community, developing lifelong friendships with those he served.

A true man of faith, Sterling’s life was rooted in his love for the Lord. He cherished his church and was known for his gentle spirit and his habit of encouraging everyone he met to attend and find their own spiritual home. Outside of his work and his faith, he was an avid gardener. One of his family’s most cherished memories is Sterling proudly placing his grandchildren next to his giant watermelons when they were babies—a testament to his sense of humor and his pride in the things he nurtured.

Sterling was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of over 43 years, Diane S. Hazelwood; his children, Dean (Jessie) Lloyd of Drakes Branch and Christopher (Bethany) Lloyd of Chesterfield; his brothers-in-law, Warren Seamster and Graham (Margaret) Lloyd; and his sister-in-law, Shirley (Jamie) Hudson.

He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Cody (Amanda) Lloyd, Shelby (Jon’T) Roberts, Keith (Kaitlyn) Satterwhite, Caitlin Lloyd, Logan Lloyd, Landon Mays, and Damarius Mosley; and six great-grandchildren: Riley Roberts, Kali Roberts, Noah Brown, Jordan Boettcher, Wrenleigh Satterwhite, and Amari Mosley. Sterling leaves behind many other loved ones and his special little dog, Oscar, whom he loved dearly.

Sterling was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Irma Hazelwood Williams; a brother and sister-in-law, William and Leonie Lloyd; and his nephew, Steven Williams.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Trinity Gospel Church in Drakes Branch, VA. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Sterling in a special way may make donations to their local Fire Department and Rescue Squad. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, is in charge of arrangements.