Andrews, Stuart R., 83, of Waynesboro, Virginia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on August 31, 2022, after a courageous struggle with lung cancer.

Stuart was born to Franklin and Charlotte Higgs Andrews, on November 8, 1938, in New York, New York, but he was raised in Virginia. He was a graduate of Albemarle High School and of the University of Virginia Chemical Engineering School. He worked as a chemical engineer throughout his career.

Stuart is survived by his wife, Rebecca Toms Andrews of 39 years; His three daughters: Amy Sprunger (Mark) of Fishers, IN, Jill Howard (Mitch) of Lebanon, IN, and Emily Ellis (Wesley) of Goochland, VA; His seven granddaughters:  Emma, MaKenzie and Aubrey Sprunger of Fishers, IN, Paige, Anna and Chelsea Howard of Lebanon, IN, and Kathryn Waller of Goochland, VA; His two bonus grandsons, Winn and Stuart Ellis of KY; His brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Linda Toms, and sisters-in-law, Carol Ware Andrews and Patricia Smith; His nephews:  Matt Andrews (Nancy) of Lakeside, CO, Jeff Andrews (Stacy) of Charlotte, NC, Ben Toms of Afton, VA, and Spencer Mahanes of Scottsville, VA.

Stuart was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Dwight Lyle Andrews, and his bonus granddaughter, Samantha Ellis.

Stuart loved his family. He was a loving grandfather, affectionately known as “T-top”. You could often find him reading or watching a race or something car related on TV. He was spoiled by Rebecca's fabulous cooking. To him, nothing quite compared, so venturing out to eat could be a challenge. He enjoyed playing cards, especially Bridge. He was determined to teach his girls and grandkids to play. 

His talent for numbers and finance became an enduring pastime. In recent years, Stu volunteered his time preparing taxes for other seniors. You could often count on the stock  market ticker playing in the background on any typical day.

Stuart and his wife Rebecca had a love for animals. Their cats were an extension of the family over the years, and their dog Cayse another child. Abandoned or stray animals seemed to find them, knowing they would be promised the good life.

He had a lifelong passion for cars and spent many weekends in his younger years racing and tinkering. Of course, he taught all three of his daughters to be road worthy with both automatic and manual transmissions.

Stuart loved the water. He and his wife spent most of their retirement years living on High Rock Lake in North Carolina, where his dream of living on the water came to be. He adored their  annual family beach vacations the most. Reading on the beach, riding in a good wave, Bocce with family and friends in the late day sun, and competing with his brother for tackiest get-up, adorned with wild swim trunks and a wide brimmed hat, brought him so much joy.

Stuart was so very deeply loved and will be sorely missed.

The family is especially grateful to Stuart’s brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Linda Toms, for their extra time and care these past many months throughout his illness. A special thanks, also, to Kindred Hospice of Harrisonburg, for their compassion and expertise.

A private family service in remembrance of Stuart will be planned for an upcoming date this fall.

Submitted by S. B. Andrews