Bobby Lynn Stinnett, 88, passed peacefully, on Dec. 4, 2024, in Newburgh, Indiana.
He was born Sept. 7, 1936, in Ravenscroft, to Ewen Edward and Jimmie Mae Floyd Stinnett.
Bob graduated from Grundy County High School, in 1955, where he was a leader in various clubs and activities. He was a stellar athlete in both football and basketball at GCHS and was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame, in 2017. Along with a group of his friends, he enlisted in the United States Navy, in 1956, and received an honorable discharge, in 1958. Bob’s last assignment was aboard the stores ship, USS Denebola (AF-56). Camaraderie was always important to Bob; he kept his Navy friends in touch by hosting regular celebrations for the group.
Bob worked as a maintenance mechanic at Fleetguard, in Cookeville. During his time there, he served several terms as Union President of the United Auto Workers Chapter 1407. In the late 1960s, with only a cigar box and $50, Bob co-founded the Fleetguard Federal Credit Union (FFCU), along with some of his co-workers. Today, it is the Middle Tennessee Federal Credit Union, with over $55 million in shares and deposits.
Bob was always an active member of the communities around him. He was a member of Sparta Masonic Lodge #99, Scottish Rite, as well as Al Menah Shriners, in Nashville. In addition to working at Fleetguard, Bob was a husband, father, cattle farmer, and a loyal friend to many people. He loved spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping with family and friends. He passed on this love of all things outdoors to his children, grandchildren, and step-family. Another one of Bob’s loves was University of Tennessee football. He spent many Saturday afternoons with family and friends cheering the Volunteers onto victory!
Love had no bounds where Bob Stinnett was concerned. He never met a stranger nor turned his back on family, friends, or fellow community members, leading his life filled with service and love. His wife, children, and large extended family will miss his kind spirit, booming laughter, and strong hugs.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Wylene Grace ’Polly’ Farley Stinnett, and his siblings, Ewen Edward Jr., Thomas Earl, David Richard, Mary Ruth Stinnett Hart, and Nancy Jo Stinnett Ervin.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Mary L. Stinnett; children, Terry (Debbie) Stinnett, Tamara ‘Tammy’ Lee, Vanessa Stinnett; sister, Penny Stinnett Peterman; grandchildren, Jennifer, Joshua (Lauren) Lee, Whittney, Jordan (Hannah) Lee, Maggie; great-granddaughter, Scarlett Rose Lee; numerous nephews and nieces; stepchildren, Stephanie (Michael) Steele, James Lovell III, Richard (Anita) Lovell, Kay Lovell; eight step-grandchildren; and 10 step-great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was 11 a.m., Dec. 9, 2024, at Hunter Funeral Home, with burial in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Bro. Riley Anderson officiated.
Pallbearers were Tim Bumbalough, Steve Cape, Tim Geer, Charlie Hickey, Bobby Lee, and Billy Manus.
Honorary pallbearers were Mitchell Lovell, Ryan Lovell, Isaac Johnston, Luke Steele, and Scott Steele.
Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
