Stephen Edward Babelay – of Knoxville died from a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at the age of 79. Born on June 25, 1943 to John P. and Virginia Babelay, Stephen attended Ritta Elementary School and graduated from Holston High School. He came from a Swiss, Scots-Irish background and was interested in the family history that his brother, David, spent so much time exploring. As the 4th generation owner of J.P. Babelay Greenhouses, Stephen honored his family’s farming legacy and expanded the business. If Stephen did not have the tool or machine to complete a project, he would build it. He was a strong member of his community, serving on the Board of Farmers Mutual Insurance and being an active member of the Philippine-American Association of East Tennessee to show his support for two of his adopted children. Stephen loved his family, and his greatest joy was being a grandparent to Tyson. He took pleasure in teaching Weston what it meant to carry on the family legacy and treasured watching Teresa perform in ballet recitals. Stephen was not alone in his family journey, his wife of 48 years, Sylvia, walked alongside him and was the backbone of the family. The Babelay family would not be complete without a long list of dogs and other pets. Stephen loved his dogs, especially Skipper. Stephen grew up attending Shannondale Presbyterian Church, and was a member of Fountain City Presbyterian Church when he passed.
Preceded in death by his parents; brother, David; and son, Timothy.
Survived by wife Sylvia; son, Weston Babelay (Penny); daughter, Teresa McCullough (Josh); grandson, Tyson; sister, Sarah Weber; niece, Adrienne; great niece, Lennon Uhls; nephew, Marshall; and a host of cousins.
The family will receive friends 5:00-7:00 PM on Monday, October 17, 2022, at Bridges Funeral Home followed by a memorial service at 7:00 PM officiated by Rev. Dr. Andy Morgan. Family and friends will meet at 10:45 AM on Tuesday at Greenwood Cemetery for an 11:00 AM graveside service. Memorials may be made to Children’s Shelter of Cebu (PO Box 247 Cambridge, MN 55008, www.cebushelter.org) Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, 865-523-4999. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Stephen Edward Babelay June 25 1943 October 8 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Knoxville, Province: T-N