Stacey Mott

A celebration of life service for Stacey James Mott, 91, of Cookeville, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, July 10, at Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Mr. Mott's family will receive friends Saturday from 4-6 p.m. and again Sunday from noon until service time at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be in Cookeville City Cemetery. Born in Cookeville on March 5, 1925, Mr. Mott was the son of the late John Robert and Mary Louisa Caroline Sullivan Mott. He was a devoted member of the Church of Christ, from his youth at the Broad Street congregation through his treasured relationships at Collegeside. He served as a radioman in the Navy during World War II, and until recently was treasurer of the Putnam County Veterans Organization. He earned a degree in mathematics from Tennessee Tech, and studied statistics at the graduate level at the University of Kentucky. Mr. Mott was a noted Tennessee broadcaster. He assisted Luke Medley and sons in building WHUB, the first radio station between Nashville and Knoxville. Beginning in high school as a part-time announcer, he ultimately served as general manager for 47 years. Mr. Mott was a past president, Lifetime Member, and Distinguished Service Award winner of the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters. He was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame. He was a past president and Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club of Cookeville (Noonday). He was a past president of the Cookeville Jaycees. His life was characterized by diligence and devotion to his family. He will be remembered for his wit, optimism, and compassion. Mr. Mott was married for 60 years to Betty Ann Birdwell of Gainesboro and Cookeville. He was a father and mentor to sons Jim (Deb) of Rome, NY, and David (Lori) of Ames, IA, and daughters Betsy (Lee) Galliher of Bristol, TN, and Melinda (Stewart) Leftwich of Cookeville. An abundant source of joy were his eight grandchildren: Pearce Galliher, Sarah Galliher (Chris) Newton, David Leftwich, Libby Leftwich, Luke Leftwich, Aaron Mott, Katie Mott, and Matthew (Alejandra) Mott. Mr. Mott's grandsons will serve as pallbearers. He also treasured his sister-in-law Cindy Birdwell (Jimmy) Ranieri of Dover, DE, brothers-in-law Jack (Betty) Birdwell of Nashville and the late Billy Hugh (Shirley) Birdwell, and his daughter-in-law Theresa Mott of Utica, NY. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Willa (Jim) Roach, brother John (Jane), brother Oscar Lee, and half-brother Herman (Anna Lee). Memorial contributions may be made to Happy Haven Children's Home, Collegeside Church of Christ Benevolence Fund, or a charity of your choice. Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931)526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.