Elliott Clark Stockard

May 2, 1938 - June 1, 2013

Elliott Clark "Buddy" Stockard Jr., beloved husband, father, sibling, friend, musician, counselor and sponsor left his earthly body and began his spiritual ascent into eternal peace and love on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at Hillview Nursing Home in Columbia with his wife at his side.

A memorial service for Elliott will be held on Saturday, June 15th at 2:00 pm at Woodfin Memorial Chapel in Murfreesboro Tennessee. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service in the Chapel. A Musical Celebration of Elliott’s life will be held at a later date in accordance with his wishes. Heritage Funeral Home is in charge and assisting the family with arrangements.

Elliott was born and raised in Murfreesboro Tennessee. He was the son of Elliott Clark Stockard Sr. and Carlene Roberts Stockard. He attended The Training School and graduated in 1956 from Murfreesboro Central High School. He attended the University of Tennessee Knoxville and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro.

He is survived by his adoring wife of 19 years Susan Dillingham Stockard of Columbia; sons Elliott Clark "Stack" Stockard and wife Melissa of Atlanta, Georgia; Jon Christopher Stockard and wife Amy of Nashville; James “Jim” Cramer of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; daughter Jennifer Stockard Rivas and husband Roman of Antioch; stepson Rob Clayton and wife Darcel of Fredericksburg, Virginia; sisters Dorothy C. Stockard of Nashville, and Wrenne Stockard Jakubiak and husband Ray of Naperville Illinois; and brother-in-law Michael Dillingham and wife Angie of Columbia, along with six granddaughters, three grandsons, five great-grandchildren, eight nieces and nephews; two great-nephews and a host of “family-of-choice” and friends.

Elliott was known and loved by so many people from all walks of life. His life’s work was helping people in many different areas as an addictions specialist, family and relationship counselor and in the recovery field. He retired from the State of Tennessee Probation and Parole Department in Columbia in 2004.

Elliott was gifted songwriter who could tell stories with his songs in such a way that you could “see” the story he was telling. He was also an excellent harmonica player and guitar picker. One of his greatest joys (in addition to spending time with his family and friends) was playing music. He lived in many places including Florida, Alaska and Colorado in addition to Tennessee.

Elliott was an adventurer who survived a copperhead snakebite at 15 years of age and a grizzly bear attack in his thirties. He had a zest for life that was contagious to all around him and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He will live on in all our hearts forever. In his honor and memory, let us put aside all our differences and join in celebrating the life of this sweet, wonderful man.

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