James Walter Stills

December 11, 2012

Mr. James Walter Stills, "The Carpet Man", husband of Donna Stills, age 69, and a resident of Williamson Drive in Columbia passed away, Tuesday, December 11, 2012 in Columbia. A Funeral Service for Walter will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 11 AM in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Home with Rev. Rick Points and Rev. Mark Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and then again one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family and in charge of arrangements. A native of Maury County, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Roy & Emmer Stills. He was a graduate of Central High School and a very devoted Christian, husband, and father. Walter enjoyed an extensive career of 47 years in carpet laying and many knew him as "the Carpet Man". A lot of his talent for carpet laying was donated to help churches and charities. He assisted George Jones and Habitat for Humanity in helping families by donating his work. His sister fondly recalled how he not only helped churches here in Tennessee, but had even gone to Kentucky to lay carpet in churches as well. Walter loved the Lord and loved his church and church family at Williamsport Baptist Church. He enjoyed helping raise funds for the church by doing "Fish Fries" and held a special place in his heart for children. Not only would he round up as many kids as he could and take them to church, but he would also purchase Christmas Gifts for kids in need. He was a loyal fan of the Central High School Basketball team and had even laid the carpet in the rooms for the ball players at the school. Since in heaven the streets are paved with gold, this "Carpet Man" is definitely retired. Although all of his dear family and friends will miss him greatly, today, Walter is probably dancing on those golden streets. In addition to his loving wife of 33 years, Walter left behind to cherish his memory his son, Lawrence Stills of Columbia, and his sister, Anne (Bob) Murrell of Columbia, TN. In addition to his parents, Walter was also preceded in death by a sister, Hazel Brewer and a brother, Wiley Stills, Sr. Pallbearers will include: Allan Teasley, Brian Howell, Larry Ragsdale, Jeff Newsome, James Bolton, Wiley (Sam) Stills, Jr. Mike Reynolds. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Members of the Williamsport Baptist Church and his carpet laying buddies. Condolences may be sent to the family at the top of this page.