Stuart Bailey Cary Jr.

CARY, Stuart Bailey, Jr., 68, passed away on October 23, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stuart B. Cary Sr. and Betty Overbey Cary; and his beloved "Uncle Bob" Overbey. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Anne Sitarz Cary; his children, son, David Cary (wife, Mollie) and daughter, Catherine Cary. Stuart is also survived by his brother, John Cary; sister-in-law, Renee Lewis; and niece, Lila Cary, all of Houston, Texas. Also surviving are his aunt, Ellen Overbey; cousin, Jay Overbey and wife, Denise; cousin, Nancy Overbey Sheetz and husband, Bryan and their children, Harrison and Bailey. Stuart will also be sorely missed by his sister-in-law, Nancy Sitarz; and nephews, John and Alex Spalding.

Stuart grew up in Stratford Hills and graduated from Huguenot High School in 1972. Stuart's first love was music and he sang in the choir and in a gospel quartet at Stratford Hills Methodist Church and in the chorus of the University of Richmond, where he earned his music degree. Stuart was an accomplished guitarist and he taught many students during his time working at Don Warner Music. Over the years, he played with many local musicians in a variety of styles from folk music to ragtime and American standards. He promoted live acoustic music in Richmond through the Crossroads Coffeehouse, which he helped to run in the 1990s.

Stuart started his career in commercial real estate working with his father at Ashland Realty. Stuart later joined Harrison & Bates, where he was a broker for 24 years. He retired this year from part-time work at Dew Realty in Ashland. Stuart was naturally hilarious, witty and a great storyteller. He could make any gathering more fun and interesting. He made lifelong friends wherever he went. His music friends, work friends, brothers in faith and his fellow travelers at A Faith That Works all sustained him as he faced increasingly more challenging illnesses and limitations. His positive attitude and willingness to encourage others were a source of inspiration to his friends and family.

Heartfelt thanks go out to the nurses and doctors at Chippenham Hospital who gave Stuart such excellent and compassionate care during his last weeks.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church, 800 E. Grace St., on Thursday, November 17, at 12 p.m. Lunch immediately following in the church social hall. Interment in Mt. Calvary Cemetery on Friday, November 18 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Peter's homeless ministry or to Mission Gait (8191 Staples Mill Rd., Richmond, 23228), Walking Free, a project Stuart played a role in founding.