By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
The Barren County Family YMCA hosted a special ceremony on Nov. 13 to honor the life of Joey Stockton, reflecting on the profound impact he had on the nonprofit and the surrounding community.
Accompanied by the morning sun, attendees made their way into the facility’s weight room, where the usual sounds of clanging weights were replaced by soft murmurs as friends and family reminisced about Stockton’s influence.
The ceremony began with a prayer led by YMCA trainer Terry Reed, a longtime staple of the Barren County community. Reed emphasized that while Stockton’s passing is mourned, those who knew him should feel joy in having had the privilege of knowing him and continue to look to his example in their own lives.
Tracy Loudermilk (left) hands Stockton’s plaque to his wife Amy Stockton (right). Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1.
Membership Director Tracy Loudermilk shared a heartfelt story about her time with Stockton. She recalled an occasion when the YMCA had a surplus of Salvation Army Angel Trees. “We had 200 that hadn’t been adopted yet, and he [Stockton] said, ‘I know a lot of people; I’ll help.’ Sure enough, in a matter of hours, all our angels were shopped for.”
The plaque, now center stage in the YMCA weight room, ensures that even with his passing, he work will be remembered. Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1.
Loudermilk was joined by Stockton’s widow, Amy Stockton, and YMCA CEO Tara Bailey. The three fought back tears as the capstone of the ceremony unfolded. Amy was presented with a plaque commemorating her late husband’s accomplishments.
Although Amy did not address the crowd, her pride in her husband and the community’s love for him created a bittersweet moment as she hung the plaque in his honor.
Bailey expressed both sorrow over Stockton’s passing and hope for the future. “As we remember him, let’s carry forward his spirit — looking out for each other, supporting each other, and making the YMCA the family he always believed it was,” she said. “Joey’s legacy lives on in each of us, and we are all grateful for every moment we shared.”
Attendees spoke of Stockton’s love of golf, and his engagements with his community. Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1.
As the ceremony came to a close, attendees shared stories of Stockton that brought laughter and tears. The diversity of those present was a testament to his far-reaching influence, as each person was connected through their shared admiration for him and his works.
The impact of the ceremony was felt immediately, with Loudermilk reporting that over ten Angel Tree tags were adopted after the service — an act of altruism that ensures Stockton’s legacy of generosity endures.
The plaque now displayed in Joey Stockton’s honor reads:
Joey never knew a stranger. He made friends with everyone he encountered and always made them feel loved and welcome. To know him was to love him, and he had a HUGE impact on the community of Glasgow. Because of his heart and love, the entire community is crushed by his early departure. There will never be another Joey Stockton, and everyone will remember him for his laughter, love, friendship, jokes, and joy. As someone once said, Joey epitomized the expression ‘salt of the earth’ and that is something you can’t say very often.
