Robert Wayne Studdard, Sr., age 87, of Columbus, MS, passed away February 19, 2026, at his residence. Funeral services will be Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Luke Lawson officiating, and Rev. Matt Moehring and Rev. Mel Howton assisting. The interment will immediately follow at Egger Cemetery in Caledonia, MS. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of the service.

Mr. Studdard was born August 3, 1938, in Caledonia, MS, to the late Willie Andrew and Susan Ella Johnston Studdard. He was a graduate of Caledonia High School and was the first Golden Flake representative in the state of Mississippi. Mr. Studdard worked in food distribution for many years and retired from Keebler. He then worked as greens keeper at Green Oaks and Elm Lake. Mr. Studdard was a member of First Cumerland Presbyterian Church and was an avid golfer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his eight siblings.

Suvivors include his wife, Sarah Mayo Studdard of Columbus, MS, son, Robert Wayne Studdard, Jr. of Brooksville, MS, daughters, Debbie Jourdan and her husband Jerry of Brooksville, MS, Tammy Sudduth and her husband Steve of Macon, MS, and Nina Boykin and her husband David of Brooksville, MS, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Studdard, Jr., Dusty Jourdan, Cameron Jourdan, Brian Sudduth, Tony Sudduth, Chris Sudduth, Sy Hunter, and David Wayne Boykin. Honorary pallbearers will be Roper Ball, Trey Estes, Terry Jourdan, and Steve Sudduth.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 207 W. Jackson St. Suite 1, Ridgeland, MS, 39157.