Kenenth Lee Stutts

Kenneth Lee Stutts, 81, of Wheelock, Texas, peacefully passed away on June 30, 2026, with his family at his side. After being diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma in 2023, Kenneth faced the years that followed with remarkable courage, quiet strength, and unwavering faith.

Kenneth was born on February 18, 1945, at St. Joseph Infirmary in Houston, Texas. As a young child, his family moved to Florida, where he spent much of his childhood before returning to Texas as a teenager. Through a mutual friend, he met the love of his life, Virginia “Junie” McLain. They were married on December 27, 1963, and together built a simple, honest life rooted in faith, hard work, and unwavering devotion to one another. Their 62-year marriage was a testament to the commitment, resilience, and love they shared. They began their married life in the Houston area before eventually retiring to their beloved home in Wheelock, where family and friends were always welcomed.

Just days after beginning married life, Kenneth also began his career with Cameron Iron Works as a Manipulator Operator in December 1963. He remained with the company for more than 40 years, earning the respect of his coworkers through his dependability, integrity, and exceptional work ethic.

Kenneth believed that if something was worth owning, it was worth taking care of. He never missed an oil change, took pride in maintaining his home, tools, equipment, and his beloved 1976 Kubota tractor, and believed there was a right way to do every job. Even after gradually losing his eyesight over the last two decades of his life and eventually becoming completely blind, he somehow always knew if something had been moved in his garage. His grandsons—and later his great-grandsons—quickly learned that if they borrowed a tool or failed to return something to its proper place, PawPaw would notice, and they’d likely hear about it the next time they visited.

Blindness never diminished Kenneth’s independence or determination. He knew every inch of his property by memory, navigating confidently by the familiar sound of the wind chimes. Rather than allowing his circumstances to define him, he adapted with resilience and continued living life on his own terms.

One of Kenneth’s greatest gifts was music. A talented harmonica player, he taught himself entirely by ear. Even after losing his sight, he would ask Alexa to play a song, patiently learning it one phrase at a time until he had mastered it. One of his favorite songs to play was Wildwood Flower. Whether playing at church or for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Kenneth found joy in sharing music and creating memories that will forever echo in their hearts.

As long as he was able, he made a point to go to as many baseball or football game for his great-grandsons as he could. Though he could no longer see them play, he loved listening to every pitch, every tackle, and every cheer, eagerly asking how they were doing and celebrating each accomplishment. For Kenneth, simply being there was enough, and his presence in the stands became a gift his family will always remember.

Kenneth was baptized in the Catholic Church at Christ the King Parish on March 31, 1945, and, with Junie’s loving support in later years, his faith remained the foundation of his life. He was steadfast in his beliefs, humble in his service, and unwavering in his trust in God.

If Kenneth knew company was coming, there was a good chance you’d find him waiting on the tailgate of his truck or sitting on the swing outside his home. That swing became one of his favorite places—a place to think, to plan, to visit with family and friends, and to enjoy a cold Natural Light beer. It was there that stories were shared, problems were solved, and countless memories were made.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia “Junie” Stutts; his son, Tim Stutts and wife, Stefanie, of Hockley; his daughter, Shannon Stutts of Bryan; his grandchildren, James Kenneth Miller and wife, CJ, of Bay City, Justin Smith and wife, Kandace, of Franklin, Kaitlin Scott and husband, James, of Arizona, and Kylie Stutts of Livingston; his great-grandchildren, Jaxon Lee and Lincoln Smith of Franklin and Callum Scott of Arizona; his brother, James Mitchell and wife, Kari; his nephews, Ian and Zane Mitchell of Brenham; and many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Norma Elizabeth Mitchell; his sister, Sharon Smith; his grandparents, Lee and Josephine Schoemaker; and his great-grandmother, Pearl Hayden.

Kenneth’s greatest legacy was the steady, dependable life he built and the unwavering love he had for his family. He wasn’t one to wear his heart on his sleeve or express his feelings with many words, but no one who knew him ever questioned where they stood with him. His love was shown in his faithfulness—to God, to Junie, to his family, and to the life he worked so hard to build.

Before anyone headed home, there was one tradition he never neglected. Each grandchild and great-grandchild received a hug around the neck and the simple reminder, “PawPaw loves you.” Those words weren’t spoken lightly; they were his way of making sure his family never left without knowing exactly how deeply they were loved.

When asked what advice he wanted to leave for his grandchildren, Kenneth’s answer reflected the values that guided his own life: “A little more thoughtfulness and keep your trust in God.”

His family will forever remember his quiet strength, his dry sense of humor, the sound of his harmonica playing Wildwood Flower, the familiar sight of him waiting on the tailgate of his truck or relaxing on his swing, and the example he set through a life of perseverance, faith, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Though Kenneth’s earthly journey has ended, the memories made on his porch swing, the melodies of Wildwood Flower, the lessons he quietly taught, and the love he faithfully gave will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. And for those who loved him most, they can still hear the words that ended every visit: “PawPaw loves you.”

A graveside service for family and friends will be held at Wheelock Cemetery on July 9th at 10:30 am.