Bobby G. Stout

Published 2:45 pm Friday, January 31, 2025

Pastor Bobby G. Stout, 81, of Elizabethton, went to Heaven peacefully on Jan. 29, 2025, while at home surrounded by family and now sits at the feet of Jesus. He was an amazing man of incredible faith, born in Avery County, North Carolina, to Maggie and William Ed Stout on Jan. 17, 1944, and was the youngest of 14 children. His family later relocated to Hampton, Tennessee, where he called Carter County his home and community for his remaining years. He graduated from Hampton High School in 1962 and was a four-year member of the historic Hampton High School basketball team, coached by Buck Van Huss, that won the Tennessee High School State Basketball Championship in 1960.

His presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a beacon of light and a pillar of the Carter County community, known for his selfless nature, servant leadership, boundless unconditional love for others, respect for those who served in the military, and unwavering dedication to his faith in Christ. If you ever sought his guidance when experiencing loss or disappointment in life, his heart broke alongside yours, and he had just the right words to bring comfort, solace, hope, and direction to your situation and need.

He was pastor of Pleasant Beach Baptist Church for 43 years and served as pastor emeritus upon his retirement in 2012 until his death.

He was blessed with a devoted wife of 62 years, Janice Potter Stout. He was the proud father of three children: Tawana Stout Holland of Elizabethton (Gordon), LaDonna Stout Boone of Roan Mountain (Steve), and Bobby Jr. of Monroe, Georgia (Mandy). God blessed him with five grandchildren: Emrie Boone Vines (Dalton), Israel Boone, Audrey Holland, Charlie Stout, and Jake Stout. In addition, he is survived by his sisters-in-law: Barbara Moffett, Helen Blevins, and Brenda Sneed, along with numerous nieces and nephews, especially Creed Guy, who was like a brother. He was loved by his granddogs: Ace, Maci, Rosie, Peanut, Chipper, Lady, and Aspen.

He had a clear message for all: Love everyone unconditionally with every ounce of your heart, laugh and spread joy and the gospel of Jesus Christ, support the underdogs, and look out for those who are struggling in life. He would want you to reconnect with family and friends who have fallen out of touch. He would want you to overcome the hardship of forgiveness and replace petty differences with understanding and love. He would tell you to turn the TV off, pick up your phone and call those who are struggling, send cards, and visit those who are sick in the hospital. He would want you to pause your work and make people a priority. Tell your family members how proud you are of them often, and love and accept all the people God puts in your path. Most of all, he would encourage you to find a church home and serve the Lord. If you do not have a church family, he would want you to find your way to the little church by the river, Pleasant Beach Baptist Church, where you will find “the best people in the world” waiting to love you.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pleasant Beach Baptist Church building fund.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate the extraordinary life of Pastor Bobby G. Stout, a shining example of Christ’s love, compassion, and selflessness that will live on in our hearts forever. The family will receive friends on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, from noon to 2 p.m. at Pleasant Beach Baptist Church, 125 Watauga Road, Elizabethton, with the funeral service to follow.

Interment will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 1:15 p.m. and proceed to Happy Valley Memorial Park Mausoleum of Peace.

Pallbearers: Jerry Bowers, John Bradley, Frank Buchanan, Shannon Burchett, Alex Campbell, Len Dugger, Lee Foley, Jerry Greene, C.J. Peters, Eston Schaffer, Walt Slagle, Junior Stanley, Tom Taylor, Greg Tester, Chad Tipton, Kevin Vaughn, Tommy Vaughn.

Honorary pallbearers: 1960 Hampton High School State Basketball teammates, members of Pleasant Beach Baptist Church, fellow pastors of the Tri-Cities, the anonymous donor of the Pleasant Beach Baptist Church property, Jack Barnes, Steve Burrough Jr., Herman Boone, Deacon Bowers, Eddie Carver, Chuck Cannon, Darrel Cannon, Sen. Rusty Crowe, Victor Deloach, Chris Mathes, C.Y. Peters, Harold Presnell, Ed Stalcup, Junior Stalcup, Richard Tetrick, Jason Vines, Bob Whitson, John Whitson. Neighbors: Steve Burrough Sr., Daniel Grindstaff, Ken Long, Jerry Proffitt, Ted Puckett.

Honorary junior pallbearers: Brett Cable, Braylon Campbell, Brogen Campbell, Finn Grindstaff, Owen Grindstaff, Gus Hurley, Kameron Martin, Carter Vaughn, Collin Vaughn, Jaxson Vaughn, Tee Vaughn.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.

Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is both blessed and honored to serve Bobby’s family. Office phone: (423) 542-2232.