Gary "Dan" Stinson. Age 69 of Hermitage, TN, passed away June 22, 2012 in Nashville. He was born August 15, 1942 in Westmoreland, TN to A.O. and Dixie Stinson. He v5s a member of City Road Chapel United Methodist Church where he was active in the Acts 2:42 class. He was truly a “peopl who loved tell a joke, as much as he enjoyed listening to one. He was an avid reader, loved music and played the saxophone. His love airplanes began at an early age and led to his interest in World War II history. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Emily Stinson; son, Tony (Kay) Stinson and his beloved grandsons, Steven and Brian. A celebration of his life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 26, 2012 from City Road Chapel United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery, with Ray Hagewood, James Fullerton, James Sawyer, Bob Pasinger, Richard Scott and Andrew Ward serving as Pallbearers. His grandsons, Steven and Brian, and the Acts 2:42 class will serve as Honor The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, June 25, 2012 at Spring Hill Funeral Hom9 from 10a.m. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday. Memorial contributions should be made to the City Road Chapel United Methodist Memorial Fund. SPRING HILL FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY, 5110 Gallatin Pike) TN (615) 865-1101.

A Family Journey Dan was born to A.O. and Dixie Stinson in Westmorland, Tennessee and then moved to Nashville, and remained there with Emily, his wife of 48 years, to raise their son Tony. They later shared in the joy of the family extending to include Tony’s wife Kay, and Dan’s two wonderful grandsons, Steven and Brian. Dan and Emily did everything together, whether as a couple or surrounded by family and friends. One family friend recognized the beauty in their relationship, not-ing that even the most menial of tasks, doing a grocery list or filling their pill boxes, Dan and Emily did together; they were true soul mates. Rising Above the Flood Dan and Emily faced several challenges, but these were always met with a positive outlook and a true sense of hope and faith. Such was the case when Dan had a heart attack and required bypass surgery. Their greatest challenge occurred when they lost their home in the big flood. The flood took their home, their retirement, and many cherished possessions, including a large train set that occupied most of the upstairs room. Through this tragedy, Dan and Emily always held strong to their positive attitude knowing they had each other and their family. The Shooting Star One of Dan’s passions was for guns. Shooting was his sport of choice and for many years he was a member of the Davidson County Sportsman’s Club. This passion he shared enthusiastically with family and friends. One family friend recalls how Dan taught her to use a gun safely and correctly and took her target shooting, bringing her “bulls-eyed” pop can into church as a show-and-tell piece to share with others. Model Behavior Dan’s other passion was for the Second World War. Being an avid reader, he had lots of books on WWII. One family friend, Sandy Campbell, shared information with Dan about his own father being a part of the night fighter squadron. Dan had a depth of knowledge that provided a source of insight and entertainment. Dan’s WWII passion presented itself most predominantly in his collection of models and model planes. His grandsons number his efforts at well over fifty, and these were cherished and shared with family and friends. The Bubble Gum King Dan took the greatest joy in being a granddaddy. To his grandsons, Pa Dan was the Bubble Gum King, always presenting a huge pack of bubble gum to his youngest grandson Brian. Brian’s brother, Steven, jokes that Pa Dan must have had stock in Hubba Bubba. Steven speaks so enthusiastically of his granddaddy and how he took him shooting, shared his models, brought them candy, and told the worst jokes. Steven explains that Dan’s corny jokes and rubber chicken will remain two of his fondest memories. The Funny Man Dan’s wry sense of humor was arguably one of his most notable assets. Family friend, Linda Fletcher, recalls a time period after the flood that Dan and Emily lived with them. During that time, Dan would often watch the television with Emily without the sound on, providing his own narrated version of what was occurring and being said – certainly more captivating than the actual program. Another friend recalls how Dan would greet visitors in his Sunday School class at City Road Chapel United Methodist Church, where he was a member. Dan would inform new visitors that following the tradition of John Wesley, the members would share their sins from the week past, but since that would take too long it would be best if the visitors started. This was always met with a ‘deer-in-the-headlights’ look and the visitors didn’t know whether to stay or flee. But because of his friendliness and welcoming attitude, they always chose to stay. Dan would be similarly wry at home, often commenting to family and guests that the fruit salad was “not fit to eat,” thereby ensuring him the largest helping, if not all of it. The Family Man Dan was a great family man, and this included his friends. He had a way of pull-ing everyone in so they felt like family. Friends comment that Dan would always take the time to inquire how they and their families were managing and always kept them in his prayers. One friend noted, “Dan would talk, and make you feel better.” He would soothe over the waters. If you went to see Dan sad or feeling “humbug,” you always left feeling better with a smile on your face. A Legacy of Example Dan passed away on June 22, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents and leaves behind his loving wife Emily, their son Tony and his wife Kay, cherished grandsons, Steven and Brian, and countless friends who loved him. Dan “taught all of us through his example...always giving of himself.”