Sterling Wayne Fuston, 91, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024. He was born to the late Barney and Hallie Brady Fuston in North Warren County on September 28, 1933. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Irene Hudson Fuston; son, Mitchell Wayne Fuston; and brother, Roy Allen Fuston.
Sterling attended Dibrell High School and soon after decided to join the U.S. Army. In 1953, he went to basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina for 16 weeks, but once the drill sergeants came back from Korea, they added another 4 weeks to the basic training. During his service, Sterling served in Italy and Germany and then discharged from the service.
Using the GI Bill, Sterling went on to attend the Elgin Watchmaker’s College in Illinois, graduating as a Master Watchmaker. Coming back to Woodbury, he opened Fuston’s Jewelry and Antiques on Main Street. Sterling found a companion and partner in Irene, and they were married in 1962. They continued the store for 30 years before Sterling decided to retire at the age of 60.
Retirement wasn’t what Sterling expected, and he knew better than to sit idle. He elected to go back to work at the VA Hospital and remained there for another 25 years, walking 3-4 miles a day. For his second retirement, he had the company and care of his brother, Mark. His hobby over the years was watching Christian TV from dawn til dusk.
He is survived by his brother, Mark Fuston of Woodbury; special friends, Franklin Paris and Myra Melton; and several cousins and extended family members. The family wishes to express a special thanks to the staff at Willow Branch Nursing Home for their care and compassion.
Graveside services will be at 2 pm Saturday, October 12th at Bethany Church of Christ Cemetery, 5066 Old Nashville Hwy. McMinnville, TN 37110. Tim Gentry will officiate.
Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story