Stuart Huston

1948 - 2020

Stuart Huston
August 14, 1948 - December 23, 2020
Lexington, Kentucky - Stuart Early Huston Sr. passed away on the afternoon of December 23rd at The University of Kentucky hospital due to heart complications. He was born on August 14th, 1948 the son of Captain Joseph Wilson Huston, Jr. and Mary Morton Kirkpatrick. He grew up with his sister, Lee Carroll and his brother, Joe Huston. They moved frequently as a result of their father's active duty in the United States Navy. Eventually he settled in Lexington, KY where he resided with his mother and siblings. He attended Darlington High School in Rome, Georgia, St Martins Episcopal School in New Orleans and The University of Georgia.
He spent many years of his early adulthood living in New Orleans, LA, where he made numerous lifelong friends and learned to dance, cook, dress, laugh and enjoy life to the fullest. In New Orleans, he was a member of the Boston Club and the New Orleans Country Club. He also loved Mardi Gras and was an enthusiastic member of the Rex organization, in which he paraded every year.
He went on to become a fulltime resident of Sullivan's Island, SC, an island he knew better than anyone. While living there he built and managed a nearby marina, which he named Toler's Cove. Both he and the marina barely survived the infamous hurricane Hugo, which was a story he loved to tell and one that, despite its life-threatening setting, typically resulted in the audience gasping for breath between bouts of laughter. But that was the type of man that he was, he could take despair and anguish and use his famous grin, sharp wit and extreme tenderness to turn it into laughter, understanding and peace. He was a man who knew pain and despair well, and that knowledge allowed him to recognize it in others. More importantly, however, he used that tool of recognition to help those who he saw were in pain. He helped those who were close to him, and also complete strangers who often ended up fast friends. Everyday, he practiced simple acts of kindness. Those kindnesses accumulated over his lifetime, and the countless people who he helped and loved make up a glorious choir that will continue to sing his praises in their hearts all the days of their lives.
He went on to marry Helen Alexander, whom he was married to for over 17 happy years. Their marriage led him back to Lexington. KY, where he lived for the final years of his life on a thoroughbred horse farm named Middlebrook. He loved every aspect of the horse business and could speak knowledgeably on the subject for hours thanks to the fine training he received from his wife. You could find him immaculately dressed at Keeneland in October and April as well as in Saratoga in August. He adored the fellowship of the horse racing community and was a notoriously proficient handicapper. From sport fishing tournaments hosted at his marina in South Carolina to quail hunting in South Texas, he was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. While he enjoyed those sports greatly, he also enjoyed the natural beauty of the ocean and the field as well as the company of his wonderful Labradors. He was also an incredibly loving father that diligently looked after all aspects of his son's life and wellbeing. He paid particular attention to young Stuart's education and touted his son's achievements to all that would listen.
He was a man that loved his friends and family in a way that made them grateful everyday, just to be associated with him and to share in his infectious positive attitude towards life. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He is survived by his wife Helen Alexander, son, Stuart Early Huston, Jr. and siblings, Lee Carroll and Joe Huston.
In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to:
Shepherds House
635 Maxwelton Court
Lexington, KY 40508
sschomp@shepherdshouseinc.com