Cover photo for John Stidham, Sr.'s Obituary
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1927 John 2017

John Stidham, Sr.

September 21, 1927 — August 25, 2017

Born in Hazard, Kentucky on September 21, 1927 Departed on August 25, 2017 and resided in Goodlettsville, Tennessee Memorial Service: Cole & Garrett Funeral Home, Goodlettsville Room: ChapelFriday September 1, 2017 6:00pm to 7:00pmVisitation: Cole & Garrett Funeral Home, Goodlettsville Room: ChapelFriday September 1, 2017 5:00pm to 6:00pm

John Homer Stidham, Sr. age 89 of Goodlettsville, passed away on August 25, 2017 in Nashville.

Born September 21 1927, in Naphor, Kentucky. The 7th of 10 children to Patrick and Nora Stidham, John excelled in sports and graduated from Hazard High School in 1945. He soon began working with his father in the coal mines. On June 24, 1949 John accomplished his greatest achievement marrying the love of his life Wilma Jean Grigsby and they recently celebrated their 68th anniversary.

In 1951 John, Jean and their new baby Margie, moved to Osgood Indiana where he managed a large turkey farm, processing more than 64,000 birds a year. While there, they welcomed two sons, John Jr. in 1953 and Phillip in 1958.

In 1964, he began his career with the USDA where he would spend the next 30 years in the meat inspection service. In 1966 the family moved to Goodlettsville where he became a well respected member of the local community. John's love for sports led him to coaching, where for several years he managed the Goodlettsville "Pirates" baseball team to victory!

John donated countless hours of his personal time serving as Scout Master of Troop 182. His positive mentorship helped shape the lives of many boys, several of which, including his own two sons, attained the rank of Eagle Scout. His deep love of country imprinted on his sons who went on to serve in the United States Navy and Air Force respectively.

John always worked hard to provide a stable home for his family and strived to set a good example to his children. His unconditional love for Christ was his greatest example, serving more than 6 decades as deacon of First Baptist Churches in both Indiana and Tennessee.

Officially retiring in 1995, he enjoyed spending time with his wife Jean, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and of course, following his favorite teams the Cincinnati Reds and his beloved Kentucky Wildcats!

John is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Wilma Jean (Grigsby) Stidham, daughter Margie (Allen) DeLoach; sons, John (Mary Stewart) Stidham, Jr. and Phillip (Cindy) Stidham; grandchildren, Jennifer DeLoach, Adam DeLoach, Shelley Stidham, John (Monica) Stidham III, Emily (DeLoach) Gatlin, Nicholas Stidham and Erin Stidham; great grand children; Tatiana Stidham and Mateo Stidham; and sisters, Betty Couch, Billie Smith and Mattie (Dennis) Smith and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Life Celebration will be held at 6:00pm on Friday, September 1st in the Chapel of Cole and Garrett Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5:00pm until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to any Disaster Relief Fund for the Houston/Area.
Cole & Garrett Funeral Home and Cremation Services were entrusted with these arrangements: 127 N. Main Street Goodlettsville, TN 37072. 615-859-5231

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