By JENNIFER MOONSONG
Glasgow News 1
This week, the community morns 45-year-old Joey Stockton, who died at Vanderbilt on July 17, after a short battle with Adenocarcinoma. Stockton was diagnosed a few short months ago, and made a postive, lasting impression on all who met him.
The Stockton family. Joey, far right, smiles with his brothers and sister. Left to right: Kelton, Eric, Jamie, Erica and Joey. Submitted
As a close friend from middle school onward, Nathaniel Goodman says his dear friend had a lemons to lemonade personality, contagious smile and saw the best in everyone.
“Joey never met a stranger. When we’d go on a golf trip, we’d laugh because we would all get so frustrated, because Joey had to talk to everyone we met. He either knew them, and if he didn’t, he was going to get to know them. He also celebrated the accomplishments of everyone he knew. If someone he knew did something good, he would brag on them, be their champion,” Goodman said.
As a teenager, Stockton played football and basketball at Caverna High School and carried that team mentality forward all his days. “He was uplifting to be around,” Goodman said. “Life of the party, salt of the earth.”
As a young man growing up in Glasgow, he was the hero and champion of his younger brother and sister, twins Erica and Eric. “He was more of a father figure to them. He was their hero,” Goodman said.
Nate Goodman, left, Joey Stockton and friends at a Titans game. Stockton loved the Titans and the Tarheels. Submitted
Joey leaves behind his mother Dorietta, his wife Amy of 17 years, his daughter Skylar, many loved ones and countless friends. He also leaves a legacy in the community of unwavering positivity, and helping others.
“Joey was a very hard worker who loved his job at 3A Composites, and took it seriously. He mentored several felons who needed work, helped them get and maintain jobs and turn their lives around. He was that type of person, always helping others,” Goodman said.
Joey Stockton and his wife Amy. Submitted
During the course of his illness a golf scramble fundraiser was planned in his honor for Saturday, July 20, and the event is still slated as planned.
“Several people have been instrumental in helping me plan this scramble. Most of the time, planning something like that is a lot of knocking on doors and asking for help. Not this time. We had 56 hole sponsors and 15 banner sponsors in no time, just from making a Facebook post,” Goodman said.
Joey Stockton and daughter, Skylar. Submitted
The scramble is likely to continue on as an annual event, with funds going to non-profit causes dear to Stockton, and perhaps even to his not yet born twin grandchildren, which he learned of not long before his death.
To see funeral arrangements and read more of Stockton’s legacy click here.
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