Obituary of John Franklin Stose

John Franklin Stose was born September 9, 1948 to Lt. John Franklin Stose, Sr. and Margaret Estelle O'Grady Stose in South Kingston, Rhode Island and passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving friends and family on October 14, 2007 in St. Petersburg, FL. John attended Forrest High School in Jacksonville FL until 1966 and graduated from Carroll High School in Ozark AL in 1967. He graduated from Troy State University in 1971 with a BS in Marketing, and then worked for Lerner Stores in Jacksonville until 1982. As an independent sales rep in the picture framing and art industry for over 25 years, John made friends across the South and enjoyed working to enhance and create beautiful art. He was an avid bass fisherman and served as president of the Northeast Florida Bass Fishermen's Association. Whether fishing, dancing, watching NASCAR racing or cooking delicious meals for friends and family, John savored life. He truly enjoyed spirited conversations and good music, especially at his favorite places in the ST. Petersburg Bay area and the Jacksonville Beaches. Despite his declining health, John considered himself fortunate to have shared so many special times with his loved ones and quietly made sure they knew how much he cherished each of them. John was predeceased by his father, Cmdr. John Stose USN and his stepfather, Capt. Frank Kirsch USA. He is survived by his mother, Margaret Estelle Kirsch, brother, William L. Stose, (Kathy), daughters Tracie S. Gulledge (Keith), Merrill Anne Stose, and Carrie Jane Stose, grandchildren Layne Austin Gulledge and Lynzi Heart Gulledge, niece Ashley Stose Power (Scott), aunt Trudy Pyatt (Charlie), cousins Steve Jarrett (Robin), Moker Jarrett (Cheryl) and Tere Henderson (Tom), and many dear friends. Memorial services will be held on Friday, October 19th at 3:00 PM at David C. Gross Funeral Home, 6366 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg FL and on Saturday, October 20th at 3:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach FL. John requested that in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to Hospice of Florida Suncoast, 3050 1st Avenue South, St. Petersburg FL 33710 in gratitude for their compassionate assistance. Service Information