It is with heavy hearts we tell all of our friends that General Manager Harry Stoddard passed away early this morning. He was 78 years young. Harry was the “ambassador to the people” for many different bowling centers for more than 35 years. A beloved individual to so many bowlers, Harry was the “face” of Smyrna Bowling Center for the past decade, always there with his warm smile and friendly handshake. He never met a stranger, and with a passion for bringing smiles to faces, he especially liked “his” kids – the high school and young bowlers of SBC. Everyone who came to know Harry will surely miss his jokes and his smile!!
Visitation with the family will be at Hermitage Memorial Gardens in Hermitage (535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN 37138) on Monday, January 10th from 4:00pm – 9:00pm, and Tuesday, January 10th from 11:00am-2:00pm. The funeral is now set for Tuesday afternoon at 2:00pm. For more information on the services, please contact HMG at (615) 889-0361.
Thanks for all the memories Harry. You will truly be missed. I first met Harry about 25 years ago. He was a great manager and always made his bowlers feel like they were appreciated and important to the life of the center. No one can replace him. Thanks again for your friendship over the years. We love you and will miss you.
Ray
Comment by Ray Matthews — January 9, 2011 @ 1:37 pm
Sure will miss him. He was always concerned with the things in your life. Akaways made you feel like you were welcome at SBC. Harry one of a kind.
Comment by Jimmy Wilson — January 9, 2011 @ 5:32 pm
Harry will be very much missed. I met Harry and Sue about 16 years or so ago when we put a pro shop location inside Donelson Plaza – Harry was the gm there at that time. Then of course he came to Smyrna (along with Sue!) and they immediately became an asset to SBC and the bowling community here. He certainly was one of a kind!
Comment by Michelle Rakow — January 10, 2011 @ 10:10 am
Harry Stoddard was a one-of-a-kind man. He always made everyone welcome into every bowling center he was ever associated with, and he was sincere to share that knowledge with everyone who worked in his bowling establishments. He always made his bowlers feel welcomed to bowl in his establishment not just some of the time…EVERYTIME. That is why Smyrna Bowling Center is the most respected, the most trusted, & the most loyal bowling center I have ever bowled in. Thanks Harry for your beloved friendship, I will always treasure it in my fond memory of you. God Bless You Harry, And Thank You!
Comment by Richard Zack — January 10, 2011 @ 11:43 am
Every time I hear thunder I know in my heart Harry will be watching the angels bowl with a smile on his face. You will be greatly missed.
Comment by Ricky deakins — January 10, 2011 @ 7:24 pm
Harry, you will be missed. I first met you at the Donelson Plaza and since then you have made an impact on my life. You were always a gentleman and a pleasure to be around. If people would be more like you the world would be a better place. Recently I met up with you again here at Smyrna and you are still the same upstanding man that I met years ago at Donelson. You will undoubtably be missed and for ALL that you have given us thru the years I hope everyone will Pay It Forward with the kindness and words of wisdom that you have showed us.
You will be missed!
Comment by Yancey Sullivan — January 12, 2011 @ 9:25 am