Arthur Wayne (A.W.) Stover

Arthur Wayne (A.W.) Stover , of Gainesville, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and a wonderful friend. He passed away peacefully on October 8, 2023 at the age of 80 surrounded by his family.

A.W. was born on April 14, 1943 to parents Walter Monroe Stover (d) and Bertie Mae Crow Stover (d) of Gainesville, GA. He was the youngest of four siblings: brothers Richard (Dick) Monroe Stover (d) married to Elizabeth Adams Stover (L) and Walter Billy (Bill) Stover (d) married to Lois Jenkins Stover (d), as well as sister Barbara Stover Pittman (d) married to H.L. Pittman (d) and sister, Betty Louise Stover (d) who passed away in infancy.

A.W. was raised in a loving home, and came to know and trust Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at a young age. In addition to his love for the Lord, A.W. also developed an interest in music (specifically the piano) as a young boy. His immense musical talent would be a way that he worshiped and served the Lord throughout his life.

At age 20, A.W. married the love of his life, Bobbie Gooch Stover (L). The two enjoyed 60 wonderful years of marriage together. They had two children: Lisa Darlene Stover (L) married to Terry Lenn Gant, and Lori Stover Parker (L) married to Johnny Paul Parker (L) and later two grandchildren: Laura Jean Taylor Parker, M.D. (L) and Jonathan Alexander (Lex) Stover Parker (L). A.W. loved and led his family well, and it was evident that this was one of the greatest joys of his life.

At the time of his death, A.W. was a member of Pleasant Union Baptist Church where he served as pianist until earlier this year. A church musician from the age of 16, he served as organist at Faith Baptist Church and Pleasant Union Baptist Church before becoming Minister of Music at Westside Baptist Church where he served for 24 years. A.W. was a member at Westside for over 40 years, and served the church in many ways. He was ordained as a deacon in 1976 and would fulfill this role for 37 years, additionally serving as chairman of the deacons during part of that time. He founded and led the Anchor Sunday School class, and aided in the transition of the church into the hands of Iglesia Pozo de Esperanza- a primarily Hispanic congregation that is still actively reaching the community surrounding the church with the good news of Jesus Christ. He served for many years and helped lead the congregation to the Lord through his music.       

A.W.’s musical gifting also shaped his career. He was a lifelong employee of the Lancaster Music Company where he enjoyed serving churches, music teachers, and community members. He worked there from 1962-2017 until he fully retired after 55 years. He enjoyed singing with the Gainesville Chorale for many years, and additionally shared his musical abilities by playing for innumerable weddings, funerals, and revival services throughout North Georgia. A.W. is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as countless other family members and friends. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love and service will be carried on by those whom his life touched.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at the funeral home. The funeral service will be at 2:00 pm Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com

For viewing on livestream www.facebook.com/MemRiversideNorth