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Randall (Randy) Thomas Stuart

Jul 24, 2025 | 6:37 PM

Randall (Randy) Thomas Stuart of Fort Myers, Florida passed away July 9th at the age of 72. He was born July 31, 1952, in Russellville, Kentucky, the oldest child of Ben Thomas Stuart and Julia Blackwell Stuart. Randy was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, and he will dearly missed by all who were blessed to know him.

Randy was a devoted and protective older brother to his younger siblings, Greg Stuart and Beth Stuart Crowe, both of Scottsville. A proud member of the Scottsville High School Class of 1970, he played drums in the school band and enjoyed performing at local gigs with friends throughout Allen County. He will be remembered by those with whom he grew up for his generosity, and also for his mischievous streak.

After attending the University of Kentucky and graduating from mortuary school, Randy began his lifelong vocation as a Funeral Director. Over the decades, he served grieving families across Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia with unwavering compassion, dignity, and grace—guiding them through their most difficult moments. He served as a past President of the Florida Cemetery and Funeral Association, and in recognition of his exceptional dedication, he was recently honored by the Commonwealth of Kentucky for reaching the milestone of fifty years as a licensed Funeral Director. He was equally committed to his community, proudly serving as a member and past president of the North Fort Myers Rotary Club. In 2004, Randy founded Affordable Cremations. After expanding to two locations, he merged with Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society in 2017.

On August 21, 1983, Randy married Eleanor Denhardt Stuart in Bowling Green, Kentucky, at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where they remained members until his passing. Randy is survived by Eleanor, and his three children: son Dustin Childs and his wife Ruby of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and daughters Kimberly Keith and her husband John David Pirtle of Chicago, Illinois and Emily Stuart Ross of Russellville, Kentucky. He was a proud grandfather to his eight cherished grandchildren: Alex Childs, Dean Childs, Ben Childs, Hawkeye Pirtle, Camille Pirtle, Ian Ross, Haddox Ross, and Madelynn Ross, who brought him immense joy and pride.

As a father, Randy will be remembered for his willingness to meet the need of any moment. Whether it meant winding up on crutches after nearly winning a fifth-grade sock hop dance contest with his daughter, setting up rubber trash cans in the street to give a hands-on lesson in parallel parking, or happily agreeing to ice cream for dinner, he was always game.

When he became a grandparent, “Grandy” became confidante, cheerleader and curious student of all his grandchildren’s interests. Though he was a rabid and lifelong Kentucky Wildcats fan, when one of his grandchildren enrolled in the University of Tennessee, he proudly bought and wore Volunteer orange, just to show his pride and support. When, on the occasion of his thirteenth birthday, another grandchild asked for advice on becoming a man, he replied with, “Respect and listen to women, and carry a pocketknife and handkerchief at all times.” Each of them will deeply miss his love, steady encouragement, sage advice, and the ability to make sure that none of them take themselves too seriously.

Randy’s life was enriched by his deep connections with family, including many nieces and nephews, who will carry forth his spirit in their hearts. He had a unique gift for storytelling, often

captivating his loved ones with tales from his life, filled with humor and wisdom. More importantly, he never let facts get in the way of a good story.

The family will receive visitors at First Christian Church, located at 1106 State Street, Bowling Green, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 16th. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with inurnment at Fairview Cemetery immediately thereafter.

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