Stephen Grubbs Fuson, 71, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on June 21, 2026, following a brief illness. Born on November 3, 1954, to the late Robert Frank Fuson Jr. and Marjory Hazel Jeremiah Fuson, Stephen was a lifelong Nashvillian who witnessed the city's remarkable transformation over seven decades. Unlike many longtime residents, he embraced Nashville's growth and genuinely enjoyed meeting the people who came from all over to make the city their home.

Stephen grew up on Linden Avenue in the Belmont neighborhood and attended Christ the King School and Father Ryan High School. After graduation, he worked for Carlos Sound and later as a sound and lighting engineer at the Exit/In. His work in the music industry led him to travel the world with the Bay City Rollers, an adventure he always remembered fondly.

After the birth of his first son, Caleb Jeremiah Fuson, with Lesley Johnson Fuson, Stephen returned to school at Nashville State Community College to study electrical engineering. He went on to build a long and respected career with Nashville Electric Service, where he worked until his retirement.

Retirement allowed Stephen to devote more time to the things he loved most: gardening, camping and tinkering with just about anything that needed fixing. His curiosity, ingenuity, and willingness to help others became hallmarks of his character and are qualities that live on through his children and grandchildren.

Stephen had a deep love for the outdoors. He spent years exploring rivers and trails throughout Tennessee and the Southeast, often paddling the Ocoee, Nantahala, and Hiwassee Rivers. As a member of the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association, he found great joy in preserving and experiencing the natural beauty of the region.

In later years, Stephen found his favorite retreat at Indian Boundary Campground in Tellico Plains, Tennessee. There he spent weeks each spring and fall camping with his beloved dog, Rascal, his children, and eventually his grandchildren. Those trips became treasured family traditions filled with love and adventure.

During Nashville's recent ice storm, Stephen found himself stranded at home on what he affectionately called "the ridge." He spoke often of the wonderful neighbors who came to his aid, though those neighbors would likely say that Stephen was the one helping everyone else, sharing supplies, knowledge, and encouragement whenever it was needed.

Stephen was a giver by nature—a devoted father, loyal friend, generous neighbor, and beloved "Poppy" to his grandchildren. He had a gift for collecting treasures, fixing the unfixable, and making those around him feel welcome. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Frank Fuson Jr. and Marjory Hazel Jeremiah Fuson; his brother, Charles Edward Fuson(Debbie); and his sister, Jere Sue Adams.

He is survived by his brothers, Robert Frank Fuson (Kathy) and William Donald Fuson (Melanie); his sons, Caleb Jeremiah Fuson and Lucas Cooper Fuson(Randi); his daughter, Chloe Jean Fuson Webb(Stephen); and his cherished grandchildren(Dakota, Emery, Liam and Davon) and extended family.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 1:30 p.m. and burial to follow at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Stephen's memory to NPR, PBS, Nashville Public Television (NPT), or the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy.