Obituary of J. Clyde Stith
from
Central Methodist Advocate, 1913
on file at Kentucky Wesleyan College, Owensboro, Kentucky

Again the solemn fiat has gone forth; the last bugle sounded; an alarm come to our inner doors and the messenger in leaving takes from our midst a strong and useful man.   Truly God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform, and yet we find in our hearts to say  -- His ways are best.  While dew drops of morning had been kissed away by the glowing sun of the noon day , yet in his strength and high tide, our brother   went.

Brother Stith was born November 7, 1859, in Hardin County, Ky., near Mays Grove, and had spent his life practically there, leaving the community of his birth only for a short time in his early manhood while engaged in business elsewhere.  His father died while he was  yet at home leaving upon him the care of a widowed mother, to whom he was true till his death, always caring for her, and administering to her necessities.

While yet a young man he professed faith in Christ, and united with the M. E. Church, South, at Mays Grove, Ky., remaining a very active member at this church till his death.

On March 7, 1912, he was united in marriage to Miss Eula McGhee, who survives him.   He also leaves to mourn his loss, two sisters, Mrs. Rhoda Brown and Mrs. Ella Richardson of Rhineyville, Ky.; two half brothers, Achilles Stith, of Elizabethtown, Ky., and Crit Stith of Missouri; and two half-sisters, Mrs. Martha Jones, and Mrs. Bettie Mayo, both of Missouri; and his faithful old mother.  Added to these is a long line of relatives and friends who revered him for his fidelity to home, public life and to his God.

He departed this life August 24, 1913, and was laid to rest on the following day at Ridge Spring, near his old home; this having been the choice made by himself for a burying place, when he should be called home.  The funeral was preached by his pastor after which his remains were tenderly taken in charge by his Masonic brethren who gently and in true and ancient style laid him to rest, with the strong admonition and desire to emulate his virtues which were many, and cast around his foibles, whatever they may have been, the broad mantel of charity and brotherly love.

Brother Stith's illness was of very brief duration.  On Sunday morning, the 24th, he was in his place at church, in the very bloom of health, apparently, at the beginning of a series of meetings at the church he had labored for and in so long; at 10 o'clock on the evening of the 24th, he was still in death, in his home.  Having gone out, in the early evening to feed his stock preparatory to returning to services he was suddenly stricken down in the presence of his wife who used every available means to revive him but to no avail.  .......(copy cut off)

Big Spring