JOE FRED STOVALL, age 70, of Cowan, Tenn., departed this life on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at STRHS Skilled Care, Sewanee, Tenn., following an extended illness.  He was born June 7, 1953, at the hospital in Winchester, Tennessee, to parents Pearl Blanton and Fred Herbert Stovall. Rooted deeply in the community he loved, Joe remained a lifelong resident of Cowan, Tennessee, where he grew up, built his life, and nurtured enduring relationships. Thrust into early responsibility due to the unexpected passing of his father in 1962, Joe began working as a delivery boy at Gunn's Grocery at the young age of 11. His diligence and hard work were crucial in stabilizing his family's finances, even contributing to his sister Carlyn's dream of becoming a nurse. He has endearingly become known as "Buddy" to many within the Franklin County community due to his kind-hearted nature and easy-to-speak demeanor. His striking head of hair, always impeccably styled, became a hallmark of his appearance, complementing the warmth and maturity that deepened with age.

Upon graduating from Franklin County High School in 1971, Joe embarked on a lifelong commitment to dedicated hard work, beginning with his immediate employment at Wilton Corporation, a local plastic manufacturing plant. For over 27 years, surrounded by the rhythms of industrious days, he built and maintained enduring friendships. Eager to transition from a solid foundation in the manufacturing sector, Joe boldly chased his lifelong ambition of joining the railroad, a job that he had always been fascinated by. Completing the required trade school and certifications, he embarked on a new adventure with the CSX Railroad in 1999. His commitment and skill quickly earned him the role of train engineer. In this new career, Joe's innate ability to cultivate lasting friendships shined, leading his railroad colleagues to fondly refer to him "Joe Friendly". He joyfully concluded this rewarding phase of his life with retirement on January 1, 2019.

Joe's love for sweets led to a serendipitous encounter in 1977 at Pogue's Ice Cream Shop in nearby Huntland, where he met a young Cathy Jean Panter, the woman who would become his lifelong partner. Their sweet beginning blossomed into a deeper connection, culminating in marriage on December 29, 1978. They were joyfully blessed with two children, welcoming their 'momma's boy' Chad in 1980 and 'daddy's girl' Emily in 1983, each sharing a special bond with their parents that continued to flourish over the years. In 1987, a pivotal moment unfolded when two missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visited their home, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ along with the concept of eternal families. This profound message deeply resonated with Joe, shaping his faith, and guiding his beliefs, and was spoken among his last words, illustrating its profound and lasting impact on his life. He was sealed to his family for time and all eternity at the Atlanta, Georgia Temple on September 28, 1996.

After facing a perplexing series of health challenges and increasing complications, Joe was diagnosed with Amyloidosis in 2018. Despite battling continual weakness, pain, and numbness, he found solace and strength in his woodworking shop. There, he meticulously crafted bowls, pouring weeks of careful attention into each piece before gifting them to his cherished loved ones. Joe's journey came to a peaceful close on November 22, 2023, in Sewanee, TN, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, creativity, and generosity.

Joe is survived by his wife Cathy Jean Panter Stovall, children; Joseph Chad Stovall (Adalyn) and Emily Suzanne Rushton (Corey), two grandsons; Henry Fisher Stovall and Jack Barclay Rushton, sister Carlyn Mackersie, and loyal rescue puppy Buster Brown.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 28, 2023, between the hours of 5-8 PM, with services being held Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 11 AM, both at Grant Funeral Services, 103 Peters Road in Estill Springs. Interment at Cowan Montgomery Cemetery.

A special thank you to our many angels on the mountain at Southern Tennessee Regional Health System team in Sewanee, TN. For a man who desired to pass peacefully into his next life from the comfort of his own home, they exceeded expectations in making his last couple of days surrounded with peace and comfort, family and friends.