John "Mike" Stockard

John Michael Stockard, 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home in Ooltewah, TN on Saturday July 23, 2022.

Mike, as he was known, was born in Asheville, NC on March 27, 1946 to parents James Paul and Dolly Bailey Stockard. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Kelly Phillips and brother Pat Stockard.

He grew up in Madison, TN attending Madison High School where he played football. He joined the Army right out of school and served until he was honorably discharged due to an injury.

Mike’s long career in the grocery industry brought him to Chattanooga as the opening manager of Giant Foods of America. Mike was soon recruited as an account executive serving grocery wholesalers and retailers across the South East. He worked 30 years for Carnation/Nestle USA winning many sales awards.

Mike enjoyed deer hunting, golf, SEC football, old western movies and was a knowledgeable gun collector. He also enjoyed working in his yard and vegetable garden. He was a very talented woodworker. He leaves behind many wooden gifts to family and friends that will be forever cherished. His real joy was grilling for family gatherings or cooking pancake breakfasts for his grandchildren.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Sheila Shipley Stockard; daughter, Joanie Neal, Chickamauga, GA; son, James “Jimmy” Stockard and favorite daughter-in-law, Angie Stockard, Rock Springs, GA. He is also survived by Michelle Smith (Aubie), Michael Sheets (Lisa), and Bliss Welch whom he proudly called his bonus children; as well as sister Mary Lynn Perry, Springfield, TN; brother and sister-in-love Mike and Euneice Martin.

Mike was adoringly called “Papa” and is survived by 11 grandchildren: Jana Neal, Jesslyn Douglas, Chase Phillips, Andrew Burns, Tommy and Carter Sheets, Caleb Alt, Blake and Lila Bettis, Gabriella Neal, and Annabelle Welch; 2 great-grandchildren, Luke and Amelia Douglas; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Burial will be private at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. There will be a celebration of life according to his wishes for family and friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the CHI Memorial Foundation to benefit Mobile Lung Screening 2525 de Sales Ave. Chattanooga, TN 37404 or donate online at www.memorial.org/foundation.

Mike loved to hear about and give random acts of kindness. If you would like, he would have been honored to know that many acts of kindness will be done or given in his name. The family would love to hear the stories.

Special thanks for the loving care given by Hearth Hospice.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.