Stuart Miller Love

Stuart Love, age 81, of Asheboro, passed away Friday, April 15, 2011 at Presbyterian Hospital Matthews, following complications from a recent surgery. He was born in Concord, NC on November 24, 1929 to the late Eva Teenie Miller and Ernest Wilson Love and graduated from Thomasville High School. He is predeceased by his adored wife of fifty-one years, Betty Keeling, as well as all eight of his siblings. Stuart was a long time resident of Asheboro and was dedicated to his family, his faith, and his community. In 1963 he started Stuart Furniture Company which soon grew to become one of the largest employers in Randolph County and one of the largest upholstery companies in the United States. In 1979, the company was sold to Hans Klaussner. Stuart's other business ventures included Prestige Fabricators, Stuart-Clark Furniture, and Stuart-Bowman Cadillac. Stuart was also a long time member of St. John's Lutheran Church. Over the years Stuart served on various boards including First National Bank and Hospice of Randolph County. Stuart, with his wife Betty, was an active traveler after retirement to horse shows, Caribbean islands, big cities, Europe, and their favorite Myrtle Beach, SC. Once their first grandchild arrived in 1988, they became the wonderful and adoring NaNa and DahDah and were always ready for an overnight visit. Most recently, Stuart enjoyed his daily routines in the small town he so enjoyed, including breakfast at the Waffle House, workouts at the Asheboro YMCA, daily meals at Dixie III and frequent visits by his daughter. Stuart is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Love Stump, and her husband, Tim, of Charlotte and his two grandchildren, Stuart Elizabeth and Timothy Allen, Jr. (Bo), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Stuart was a loving, generous, and joyful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was also kind and generous to strangers and acquaintances alike. His ready smile, cheerfulness, and generosity will be sorely missed by all who knew him. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Sunday, April 17, 2011, at Ridge Funeral Home. A funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 pm Monday, April 18, 2011, at St. John's Lutheran Church with the Rev. O. Ralph Kraft, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church Building Fund, 505 S. Park St., Asheboro, NC 27203; the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA Capital Campaign, P.O. Box 1152, Asheboro, NC 27204; or Hospice of Randolph County, P.O. Box 9, Asheboro, NC 27204.