Stuart Wilford McGarity, Jr.

Stuart Wilford McGarity, Jr, 74, of Athens passed away October 19, 2025.

Born in Athens, Stuart was a son of the late Stuart Wilford McGarity, Sr. and Frances Smith McGarity. He was a 1969 graduate of Athens High School and a 1973 graduate of The University of Georgia where he received his BS in Political Science.  He was a member of the The Kappa Deuteron chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. He later received his Masters Degree in Theology from The Southern Baptist Seminary, Louisville, KY.  Stu was a Financial Planner/Insurance Agent with Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company for 48 years. He was a faithful member of Prince Avenue Baptist Church where he was a member of the Smart-Shivar Care Group and he attended the Disciple Maker Men’s Bible Study at Beech Haven Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Kim C. McGarity; daughter, Kelley McGarity Humphries (Billy) of Austin, TX; Son, Sean Stuart McGarity (Teri) of Athens; brother, Greg (Sheryl) McGarity; sister, Peggy McGarity Bryant (Steve); niece and nephews, Alex McGarity (Laura), Abby Bryant and Bradley Bryant and dear family friend, Matt Hembree.

The family will receive friends Thursday, October 23, 2025 beginning at 10 AM at Beech Haven Baptist Church. A celebration of Stu’s life will begin at 11:00 AM followed by a reception at 12:00. Private burial will be at Oconee Hill Cemetery.

Stu was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, humor, and unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way he lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. 

Those who knew Stu will remember him for his infectious laughter and intentional care for others, his deep-rooted faith in Jesus, and his unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone, and every dog, he encountered. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. Even in death, his joyful spirit was intact and he was able to find peace through the presence of his loved ones.

Stu was a fervent advocate for education and believed it could be enjoyable and inspire individuals to embrace their unique God-given talents. Athens Y Camp served as a crucial outlet for this passion. As a child, Stu was one of "Kelley's Boys," a group fostered by Cobern Kelley, who established Athens Y Camp to help young men grow in spirit, mind, and body. Some of Stu's cherished childhood memories involved travel camps with Kelley and the "Boys." Stu continued to pay that forward as a regular volunteer at Athens Y Camp; something he looked forward to every summer.

Stu lived his faith. He consistently poured into the interests of his friends and family, offering continuous encouragement and championing their ambitions. God’s love could be seen through Stu's everyday interactions, from his daily texts and notes of humor to his cherished moments of fellowship. He delighted in connecting with others through bible studies, pickleball groups, lunches, and any family gathering. Our hope is that these activities will endure, and that as they continue, Stu will be remembered and honored with laughter, echoing his own joyful spirit.

Stu's daily love for his children mirrored God's unconditional love for His own, a love that will endure.

Pallbearers will be David Allen, Mike Castronis Jr., Dennis Moore, John Morecraft, Tom Rogers, and Phil Sheffield

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Beech Haven Disciple Maker Men’s Bible Study.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Prince Avenue Baptist Church, Beech Haven Baptist Church or Athens Y Camp.

Arrangements by Lord and Stephens, WEST. www.lordandstephens.com