MAYERSVILLE — June 29, 2015 marked the ending of an era — an era that began in 1844 when Robert McCollough Smith moved to Issaquena County, Mississippi from Virginia. Since that time, many descendants of Mr. Smith have called the county their home, Frank Stuart being the last.

Born March 23, 1938, Frank Pool Stuart, Sr. was the last descendent of Robert McCollough Smith, still living in Issaquena County. Mr. Smith, one of the first settlers of Issaquena County was Frank’s great grandfather. Since the establishment of Issaquena County is 1844, many descendants of Smith have called the county their home, Frank being the last.

Frank was the son of Sharkey and Mayme Stuart. In 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Katie Jane Hays of Valley Park. They had three children, Frank Pool Stuart, Jr., Janet Danell Stuart, and Bennie Columbus Stuart. Frank was preceded in death by his wife, his son Bennie, his parents, one sister, Faye Odette Stuart, and four brothers, Sharkey “Bo” Stuart, Bennie Heath Stuart, Tom Morrisey Stuart, and James Ellis Stuart. He is survived by his son, Frank, Jr. and wife Beth Ann of Cary, his daughter, Janet Stuart Whitfield of Indianola; grandsons, Marty Stuart and wife Amelia of Clinton, Nick Stuart of Cary, Jay Whitfield of Indianola and three great grandchildren, Zoey, Nolan, and Gavin Stuart of Clinton. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Stuart was an avid outdoorsman. His love for the outdoors began at a young age as he, his brothers and cousins would fish the small barrow pits across the levee from his childhood home. As a young man he enjoyed hunting with his father-in-law at Valley Park. In 1963, this same young man was among the founding members of Tallulah Hunting Club at Fitler. He was the last charter member on roll at the club. He spent his adult life hunting and fishing that land which had once belonged to his ancestors. Over the years, Mr. Stuart passed on to his children and grandchildren his love for hunting, fishing, and conservation in general. In his own ‘gruff’ way he also helped foster this love in other young men in the camp. He was affectionately referred to as “Old Goat” when at camp. Until his health failed him, Mr. Stuart was the resident volunteer caretaker of the campgrounds because of his deep love for and family connection to the place.

Mr. Stuart was also an avid gardener as long as his health allowed. Friends always knew they would have okra in the summer and greens in the winter thanks to Frank. He enjoyed planting the seeds and nurturing them, then visiting with the friends, neighbors, and sometimes strangers who would come and pick the fruits of his labor. On occasion he was even known to deliver greens and turnips to certain special friends.

Mr. Stuart was a member of Goodman Memorial United Methodist Church in Cary. He was also a former member of the Board of Trustees for the Sharkey-Issaquena Consolidated School District.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at Riles Funeral Home with the Rev. Larry Sappington, Pastor of Goodman Memorial United Methodist Church of Cary officiating. Visitation will be from 9 AM until the hour of service. Burial will be at Clover Hill Cemetery at Mayersville.

Pallbearers will be: Marty Stuart, Nick Stuart, Jay Whitfield, Morris Stuart, Heath Stuart and Garrett Stuart. Honorary pallbearers will members of the Tallulah Hunting Club.