John Guy Stovall

John Guy Stovall, aged 93, was reunited with his beloved late wife Greta on June 6, 2026 in Easton, Maryland. He lived a life of exceptional service to his country and to his family, and even in his last years of declining health retained a good-humored and genuine interest in the world around him. John was born July 16, 1932 in Highway, Kentucky, the youngest of the seven children of I.T. and Sallie Stovall. Growing up on a small farm gave him a lasting appreciation for hard work, family roots, and the significance of agriculture in a rural economy. While a student at the University of Kentucky he met and married Greta Kelly, beginning a devoted partnership that thrived for over 65 years until her death in 2023. They raised their two daughters in Lexington and then Alexandria, Virginia, and later retired to Virginia Beach, Virginia and Daytona Beach Shores, Florida. A doctorate in Agricultural Economics served as the springboard for John’s 36-year career with the federal government. Hired initially by the Tennessee Valley Authority, he later joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture and subsequently the U.S. Agency for International Development. He was a charter member of the Senior Executive Service, a group for high-ranking government oﬃcials, and served there until his retirement in 1994. His military service began during the Korean Conflict and continued through decades as an intelligence oﬃcer in the U.S. Army Reserve. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1982. Though John travelled extensively during his working years, in retirement he enthusiastically continued exploring the world with Greta. Throughout their many adventures, they cultivated and preserved close ties with their children, grandchildren, extended family, and the many dear friends they made over the years. John’s generosity; his steadiness; his skill in navigating any obstacle; and his ability to fix just about anything were greatly cherished and will be greatly missed. John is survived by his daughters, Laura Cassidy (Ed) and Diane Mandracchia (Bob Marino), and by his adored grandchildren: Madeline, Amanda, and Meredith Poe; Olivia Klein (Billy) and Noah and Vincent Mandracchia. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Radford. A burial service at Arlington National Cemetery will be held at a later date

John Guy Stovall

July 16, 1932 - June 6, 2026