Edward Alan “Ed” Stuart, Sr.

Mr. Edward Alan “Ed” Stuart, Sr., 70, died Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the Mississippi State Veteran’s Home in Oxford, Mississippi. The memorial service will be Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 12:30 P.M. in West Hall of Waller Funeral Home.

Ed was born on July 17, 1954, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, to the late Vada Fulcher and Edward Stuart. He served in the United States Army before attending Delta State University, later beginning his career as a Pharmaceutical Representative. While in college, he nurtured his lifelong love of music, managing Ole Man River’s Nightclub, where he was responsible for booking all live musicians. Ed developed not just a profound love of music, but a kinship with the artists themselves. This admiration stayed with him throughout his life, bringing countless connections and friendships. Eventually, Ed would cultivate a space in Brandon, Mississippi, where young, aspiring musicians could gather and perform, gaining valuable experience among like-minded peers. This musical melting pot would eventually be named “The Back Door,” and would become more than a business, but a community hub for young songwriters and musicians, all brought together by Ed.

His desire to connect with others went beyond the music industry, as Ed devoted himself to many civic endeavors in the Robinhood community of Brandon, Mississippi. He served on his local Utility Board, where he was instrumental in providing a system for safe, clean water for his community in rural Rankin County. He did this not because he had to, not because he was paid to, but because of his genuine care and concern for his neighbors. Ed also served on the volunteer fire department’s board, where he played a vital role in the creation of a second fire station for his community. Recognizing a local need, he and his wife, Judy, opened their home to host bipartisan political rallies during the 1980s, inviting candidates to speak to the public and discuss pertinent issues. This and many other efforts by Ed and Judy led to Robinhood receiving their first voting precinct. They found their own slice of heaven in the lake house they called home for over 40 years. It was there they raised two sons, Edward Jr. and Jamie. Countless days were spent swimming, boating, fishing, and admiring sunsets reflected over calm water. Ed considered himself immensely blessed to call such a special place his own.

Together, Ed and Judy shared over 50 wonderful years of marriage, raising their beloved sons, traveling to concerts and shows all across the country. His sons reminisce on his love of good music and bad TV. No matter where he found himself, Ed fostered community for all, welcomed others into his home with open arms and open mind, and always looked out for his neighbors.

Ed is survived by his wife, Judy Stuart of Oxford, MS; sons, Edward A. “Ed” Stuart, Jr. and his wife, Casey, of Oxford, MS and James Harris “Jamie” Stuart and his wife, Madeleine of Katy, TX; sisters, Sharon Buckley of Cleveland, MS and Cindy Blevins and her husband, Rick, of Memphis, TN; brother, Gil Stuart and his wife, Leigh Ann of Bentonia, MS; two grandchildren, Buckner Stuart and Aidan Stuart; Emmett Kelly, who he loved like a son, so many other boys he was proud to watch grow into men; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. For all of these, Ed will be forever missed and never forgotten.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Ed’s memory may be made to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A, Short Hills, NJ 07078 or online at www.christopherreeve.org.