Stokely Etheride Doster, of Lookout Mountain, died Tuesday, January 22, 2002, at his home.
Mr. Doster had graduated from Baylor School in 1945 and served in the Submarine Service in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1949.
Mr. Doster went to work for his uncle Joe and Paul Lawrence at Lawrence Brothers Lincoln Mercury in 1949, becoming a partner in 1951. In 1956, he opened a Mercury franchise in East Ridge, TN, later merging it with Lawrence Brothers, creating Lawrence-Doster Motor Company in 1957. He served on the Lincoln Mercury National Dealer Council several times as well as on the Boards of the Tennessee Automotive Association and the Chattanooga Automobile Trade Association. He was also co-owner of Chattanooga Part's Distributor's Warehouse for many years before selling it to an Atlanta firm. He was the third generation to operate the family business, which was started in 1909, by his great uncle David Stokely Etheride. He was serving as Chairman of Lawrence-Doster Motor Company at his death.
Mr. Doster served on the Mountain City Club Board, YMCA Board, and was a past President of the Lookout Mountain Fairyland Club.
He was a member of Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church serving in several capacities including many years on the Board of Deacons.
Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Cross Doster; a brother, Lawrence E. Doster; four children; Mary Lynn Cato of Nashville, Dr. Stokely E. Doster, Jr., David L. Doster, and Dr. Freeman C. Doster, all residents of Lookout Mountain; ten grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at the Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church on Thursday at 4 p.m.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Wann Funeral Home and then Thursday at 3 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the church.
Graveside services will be held at Forest Hills Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Baylor School, Hospice of Chattanooga, or your favorite charity.