Jody Lee Stutts Obituary
Jody Lee Stutts was born on October 17, 1958, weighing just 1 pound, 6 ounces. Despite being full-term, Jody was born with an Rh factor incompatibility and spent the first year of his life in the NICU. His fight from the very beginning was mighty, and against all odds, he survived, earning him the title of Duke's Miracle Baby of 1958.
Jody was raised in and around Sharpsburg, North Carolina, with his parents, Joe and Hester, and his younger brother, Steve. Just 12 months apart, Jody and Steve had an extraordinary bond, one that was evident to everyone who knew them and remained strong throughout their lives. They were not simply brothers; they were best friends and, in so many ways, inseparable.
Jody was a proud graduate of Elm City High School. It was during these years that he had the privilege of playing basketball for Coach Harvey Reid Jr., who would go on to become the winningest high school basketball coach in the state of North Carolina. Jody spoke fondly of those years throughout his life, including the five-mile runs he and his teammates completed before practice—and again afterward—each day. Their dedication and hard work ultimately led to winning the state championship in 1977. When he wasn't playing basketball, Jody was also working toward another important goal: earning the rank of Eagle Scout, which he proudly achieved in 1978.
During early adulthood, Jody discovered his love for singing country music. After finding the courage to enter a karaoke contest, he decided to take a chance on himself and start his own band, Ambush. The band gained popularity and had the opportunity to open for artists who were beginning to make their mark in country music, including Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, and the Bellamy Brothers. In 2010, Jody "got the band back together" for another special stint, bringing old friends, familiar music, and cherished memories back to life.
In 2003, Jody met Marian, and the two described it as love at first sight. Within minutes of meeting, they were showing each other photos of their children and sharing stories about their families. That night, after they had each gone home, they both woke their oldest child and said the same thing: "I met the one!". Neither knew the other had done the same thing until later, when they discovered the sweet coincidence. It was the kind of beginning that seemed to confirm what they already felt—that they had found something special in each other. They had a beautiful, Christmas-themed wedding in 2004 at their home in Clayton, NC.
As a blended family, the two of them worked hard to raise their five children. With most of the children being teenagers, life was rarely boring. It took plenty of patience, quick thinking, and a good sense of humor to survive those years as parents—but somehow, they did it.
As a dad, Jody was always willing to offer advice when it was needed and, more than anything, his children knew they could count on him to show up. That never changed, even as his children grew into adults.
Jody found his greatest joy in being a father. He was deeply involved in his children's lives, especially their sporting experiences, often coaching their teams and learning whatever sport they decided to play. If his children were playing, Jody was there—guaranteed to be at every game and often every practice.
Jody's love of coaching eventually grew beyond his own children. For five years, he coached an AAU basketball team, becoming a father figure and mentor to many of the young men he coached. The team was highly competitive, finishing fifth in the nation two years in a row, and many of the boys he coached went on to earn Division I basketball scholarships. For Jody, the greatest reward was watching these young men grow and helping them believe in what they could accomplish—much like Coach Harvey Reid Jr. had once done for him.
Jody spent his adult life continuing the legacy of his father's tire business while building a business of his own behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler. A proud owner and operator of his own trucks, Jody held his Commercial Driver's License for 47 years and spent countless miles traveling the East Coast, from Maine to Florida. His wife, children, and grandchildren all got to experience a little piece of his life on the road, whether riding along with him or sharing a meal together at a truck stop. One of his greatest joys was taking his grandchildren for rides in his truck and letting them blow the horn. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jody continued driving, taking pride in knowing that his work helped keep food and essential supplies moving during an uncertain time.
Although he never retired, Jody did take time to travel with his family during the last three years of his life. Together they visited Alaska, the Grand Canyon, Hawaii, Mexico, Phoenix, San Diego, Seattle, and many other international cruise destinations.
While Jody lived a vibrant and full life, some of his favorite moments were often the simplest ones. He loved sharing a meal with his family and was always happy to go out to eat, especially for barbecue or seafood. He loved a good discussion about basketball and watching the Tar Heels play. He loved to tell a story while sitting on the front porch. And then there were the nicknames. Jody had an almost unbelievable ability to come up with a nickname for just about anyone—and once he gave you one, it stuck. Each one was a reflection of his creativity, his sense of humor, and the way he made people feel known. These were the everyday moments that his family and friends will miss the most.
Jody often said, "I wasn't even supposed to be here," when reflecting on his life. Given the odds he faced at birth, he never took that fact for granted. He knew he had been given something precious, and he was determined to make the most of it. Jody showed up for the people he loved, found joy in the everyday moments, and made sure his life was truly anything but ordinary.
He was never supposed to be here. But he was. And he made every moment count.
Please join us for Jody's Celebration of Life on Friday, October 2nd, 2026, at the Train Depot in Elm City (101 W. Nash Street, Elm City, NC, 27822). Doors open at 5 pm and the ceremony begins at 6 pm.
Jody is survived by his loving wife, Marian Stutts of Youngsville, and five children: Joseph Stutts (Tiffany), Clayton, Meredith Hesselein (Carl), Cream Ridge, Leigh Ann Stutts-Wuellner (Luke), San Diego, Charles Hensley, Youngsville, and Kevin Stutts, Denver. Six grandchildren survive him: Jayce Stutts (9 years), Sawyer Hesselein (7 years), Wrenn Hesselein (5 years), Greta Hesselein (2 years), Teagan Stutts (1 year), and Bo Wuellner (3 months). Additionally, his nieces, Ashton Stutts (Chris) and Becky Cusick (Michael), his nephew Ben Robley (Julie), his former wife, Nancy Johnson, his sisters-in-law, Karen Hall and Carla Stutts, and brother-in-law Dave Robley (Pat) also survive.
Jody is preceded in death by his parents, Joe Ed Stutts and Hester Elvie Howell, brother, Steve Stutts, and parents-in-law, Ray Robley and Fannie Robley.
