Richard Earl Stuart
Richard Earl Stuart, age 90, of Maryville, passed away with his family by his side on Friday, October 5, 2012, at University of Tennessee Medical Center. Formerly a resident of Kindred Healthcare-Jamestown location. Richard was born to the late Edward and Helen Stuart of White Plains, N.Y., on August 22, 1922. He was one of 12 children and is survived by a sister, Mrs. Dorothy Chomko Stuart of Morrisville, Pa. He worked various jobs before joining the Army in 1942. He served his country in the Philippines as a Supply NCO Sergeant during WWII. Richard was married to Shirley Catherine Conrad of New York in 1946. They were married for 45 years when she passed away. He is survived by a daughter, Emily; son-in-law, Robert Polk, both of Maryville and Windermere, Fla.; a son, Wayne and family of New York; and his grandchildren, Brian and Kenneth Polk of Windermere, Fla. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and were with him as he left this earth. During his life, he was an active member of the V.F.W. in Valhalla, N.Y., the HI-12 of White Plains #143, and was a volunteer fireman with the North White Plains Fire Department. He was a member of St. John Catholic Church and Holy Name Church in Valhalla. He moved to Florida in 1989 and then to Maryville in 2002. He loved it here and was seen wearing his Tennessee orange frequently. Richard is also survived by his long-time friend Mrs. Thelma Beers of Hopewell, Va., and her family. He was a hard-working man, many times holding multiple jobs to make ends meet. He loved family and friends and was always ready for a Sunday drive or a barbecue. Later in life he loved doing jigsaw puzzles each day. He always wanted to own a home and was able to buy his first home at the young age of 75. As he became more frail he always had a smile for all the many caregivers he had and would say, “And how’s your disposition?” or “Will you be here when you get back?” We called those sayings ‘Dickisms.’ He also had pet names for everyone. We will all smile when we remember those names. Richard will also remember special family members, Amanda, Jackie, Alexis, and Andrea. Richard had many friends in town and loved his thoughtful and generous neighbors. He was cremated and will be buried with his wife in Florida. He would remind all of us to love each other, work hard, and we will see him again. In the meantime, he will be in heaven dancing with his wife.
