Mr. Stanley Joe "Pudden" Rumsey, age 73, of Toccoa went to his Heavenly Home, January 31, 2024.  Born January 28, 1951 in Stephens County, he was the son of the late Fred Lloyd and Christine Crunkleton Rumsey.

Pudden was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church,and retired from Old Castle Precast. Even as a youngster, Pudden had a zeal for life that was infectious. Popular in school, a star athlete and friend to all who knew him.  He married his high school sweetheart Vicky, not long after graduation and together they raised their greatest achievements, their children Ginger, Scott, and Allyson.  When his father passed away in 1977, Pudden became the family's rock, leading not only his young family, but his mother and sister Bridget, through tragedy.  Pudden loved sports, the Georgia Bulldogs, Nascar, Atlanta Braves, every Stephens County Little League team and the Stephens County Indians.  A constant fixture at sporting events throughout Stephens County and the surrounding area, Pudden was a referee and umpire for High School sports for 35 years.  Most of his professional career was as a Sales Manager and no doubt his infectious laugh and ability to talk to anyone made him successful in multiple States.  On July 22nd, 2008, Pudden was dealt the cruelest of blows when his wife and mother both passed away within hours of each other, followed less than a year later by the death of his sister Bridget.  Through all of the heartache, Pudden kept his eyes on the Lord and remained positive.  Four grandsons were Pudden's pride and joy, he loved his boys and took every opportunity to spend time with them and support their endeavors.

Pudden married his beloved Sherri on May 10, 2010 and they lived a happy, and laughter filled life together. When he married Sherri, Pudden not only gained a wife, but another son and daughter, Bo and Molly.  Pudden never met a stranger and loved life. While he had his health battles over many years, he kept moving forward, never letting it get him down.  He enjoyed traveling and spent time with family and friends on trips around the country.  His final "job" was that of Mayor of Willow Valley RV Park in Rabun Gap. In his bright red golf-cart, Pudden met every guest when they arrived and by the time their vehicles were parked, they were fast friends. One of Pudden's greatest joys was carting the children around the park and they loved their Pudden, he was loved by everyone who visited.  Family members will always remember Pudden as the glue that held the family together. His love of life was  matched only by his love of his family. He was a trusted confidant, voice of reason and listener.
As much as Pudden was the glue, he is also lovingly remembered as the "pot stirrer," nothing made him laugh harder than a good practical joke or "gotcha", the twinkle in his eye and "not me" response was legendary.  Pudden Rumsey was a life force that leaves the world a better place. In sadness, we lay our loved one to rest, knowing that his life on earth has ended, but his life in eternity has just begun.

Family members include his wife, Sherri Whitlock Rumsey; his children, Ginger McCreight (Tim), Scott Rumsey (Amy), Allyson Herrington (Stephanie), Bo St. Clair (Sydney); and Molly Sharp (Harrison); grandsons, Evan Rumsey, Ian Rumsey, Chaz Poole, Ethan McCreight, Rhett Sharp and Lane Sharp; great-grandson, Greer Poole; two special cousins, Sam and Ken Rumsey; and his mother-in-law, Sue Whitlock.
He was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children, Vicki DeFoor Rumsey, and his sister, Bridgett Rumsey.

The family received friends at the mortuary from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Thursday, February 1, 2024, and from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Friday, February 2, 2024.  Funeral services were held at twelve noon, Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Ebenezer Baptist Church with the Rev. Jerrell Beatty, Mr. Mark Tuggle, and Dr. Fred Lodge officiating. Entombment followed at Roselane Mausoleum with Dr. Jamie Smith officiating.  Evan Rumsey, Ian Rumsey, Chaz Poole, Ethan McCreight, Ken Rumsey and Sam Rumsey served as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to the Stanley (Pudden) Rumsey Athletic Scholarship Fund in care of North Georgia Credit Union, 1067 Mize Road, Toccoa, GA  30577.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Jim Wade, Amedisys Home Health, and to the entire staff of Stephens County Hospital for taking such excellent care of Pudden.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and sign the online guestbook at www.whitlockmortuary.net
Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Stanley Joe "Pudden" Rumsey.