ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County motorcycle community rallied together Wednesday evening to bid farewell to one of their own.
The Playaz Elite Bike Night event in the parking lot of Los Mariachis was dedicated to motorcycle club’s late president, William “Bugga” Sturdivant, who passed away July 13.
The club was formed in 2008 and became official in 2009, according to Willie “Big Dog” Singleton, sergeant at arms. Bugga joined the club in 2012 and became president in 2021.
Playaz Elite is known for numerous fundraisers throughout the Pee Dee Region, including rides to support Toys for Tots, the homeless and efforts fighting breast cancer, domestic violence and child abuse — “You name it, we’ll do it,” Singleton said.
Bugga is the son of Anson County politician Vancine Sturdivant, affectionately referred to as “Mama V,” and the late William “Gumby” Sturdivant, who died in 2015.
“He was a great man and he led us as good as he could for a long time,” Singleton said of Bugga. “You didn’t meet a better man. I’ve seen him give … a total stranger twenty dollars because he walked up to him and asked for a dollar … That’s the way he was. He was a good dude.”
Bugga was also co-owner of Showtime Tattoo in Rockingham, along with James “Pooh” Jordan.
Chris Lemons, who works at the shop, is also a member of Playaz Elite.
“He touched a lot of people,” Lemons said. “He gave a lot of good life lessons.”
Bugga’s cousin, Jarrad “Loco” Coxe, is also a member of the club.
“He believed in giving back to the community, giving back to the kids,” Coxe said. “Even the homeless people looked up to him.”
Playaz Elite collected food and made up 107 bags for its Feed the Needy campaign in May. Sixty bags were given out on May 22 and the rest were taken to Place of Grace and Richmond County Aging Services.
Jamie Watson, an independent rider, said he’s still at a loss for words over losing a close friend.
“It’s still unbelievable to me,” Watson said.
“I can’t really say enough about what all he’s done,” Watson said. “He’s raised lots of money for lots of charities, he’s helped me with charities.”
In that same spirit of giving back, Playaz Elite took up a collection to give to Bugga’s family.
“Anytime you need anything … we’ll be there,” Coxe said. “We are family first, bike club second.”
Changing the Game and Scotland County Riders also presented the family with a donation.
“Three things I always taught my kids from the day they were born,” Vaccine Sturdivant told the crowd. “You are somebody … Always treat people the way you want to be treated … and number three is to show somebody — not tell ‘em — you show somebody you love ‘em.
“If my Bugga didn’t get nothing else, he got those three things.”
She also thanked everyone who came out to show their support.
“Bugga has introduced me to some of the best people I will ever meet and I thank God for each and every one.”
A Homegoing service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, July 24 at Cole Auditorium in Hamlet. Local bikers will be riding as an escort from Lilesville to the service.
“He’s gonna be missed by a lot of folks,” Watson said. “It’s a great loss for everybody.”
