Henry Gene Stuart

Henry “Gene” Stuart, 83, passed away on July 5, 2023, in Bradenton, FL after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Montgomery, AL on November 19, 1939, to the late Henry G. Stuart, Jr. and Dorothy (Amon) Stuart. At an early age, the family moved to Little Rock, AR. Gene graduated from Little Rock Central High School, where he was a member of the 1956 440-yard relay team, whose state record was held for many years and nationally ranked. Gene attended Ouachita Baptist University on a track scholarship. He spent his entire working career at Whirlpool Financial Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Whirlpool Corporation. He started his career in the Little Rock office as an adjuster and assumed managerial responsibilities with moves to Knoxville, TN, Memphis, TN, Springfield, MO, Shreveport, LA and the company’s corporate headquarters in Benton Harbor, MI. In 1976, he was promoted to Regional Manager in the southern territory office in Atlanta, GA with responsibility for offices located in the southeastern United States. In 1980, he was elected Vice President, Business Development and relocated back to the company’s corporate headquarters in Benton Harbor, MI. In 1984, Whirlpool Financial Corporation acquired the leasing operations of Michigan National Bank in Detroit, MI and he was promoted to group vice president and served on the board of directors of the new subsidiary, Whirlpool Leasing Services, Inc. located in Livonia, MI. In 1990, he was relocated to new company offices in Lincolnshire, IL, and returned to the Benton Harbor corporate headquarters in 1994. At the age of 58, Gene retired and moved with his wife, Marny, in 1999 to Sarasota, FL. At the time of his death, he resided in Waterlefe Golf and River Club in Bradenton, FL. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Gene was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where he served as an usher and volunteered at the Trinity Thrift Store and served on the thrift store’s board of directors. Gene thoroughly enjoyed the water, boating on Lake Lenore in Atlanta, GA, Lake Michigan in St. Joseph, MI, and Florida’s inter-coastal waterway in Bradenton, FL. He was an avid University of Arkansas Razorback fan. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, William White, and his first wife of 34 years, Susan Cobb Stuart, and two infant daughters. He is survived by his second wife of 29 years, Marny Petlick Zeller Stuart, his son, William Gray Stuart of Atlanta, GA, and his stepchildren Stephanie (Scott) Darish of Fenton, MI; Rachel (Tad) Amore of Westminster, CO; and Joshua (Kristin) Zeller of Allendale, MI, and 10 beautiful grandchildren Allison (Swapnil) Junjare, Rebecca, Kimberly, and William Darish; Hunter, Nolan and Finley Amore; and Brooklyn, Kaylyn and Tucker Zeller, in addition to his beloved furry companion, Mandy. He is also survived by in-laws, Bill and Karen Cobb of Little Rock, AR, Rebecca Wingeier, Grand Rapids, MI; Michael and Helen Petlick, Joseph and Diane Petlick, and Stephen and Diane Petlick, Sarah and David Driscoll all of St. Joseph, MI; Bobbi and Joseph Youngblood of Eau Claire, MI; and Jennifer and James Rokita of Mason, MI and many nieces and nephews. Private military graveside services will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Benton Harbor, MI at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Gene’s name to the St. Labre Indian School, P. O. Box 216, Ashland, MT 59003-9989. Gene was a true southern gentleman with a quick smile and keen sense of humor. He never met a stranger. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Rest in peace my sweet, precious husband. I love you the mostest.

Tributes

Henry Gene Stuart

November 19, 1939 - July 5, 2023