Shirley Randolph “Junior” Sticher, Jr.
Shirley Randolph “Junior” Sticher, Jr., 81, of Harrison, was received by his heavenly father on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
He joins his mother, Allene Holder Sticher, and father, Shirley Randolph Sticher Sr.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Faye; daughter, Dr. Megan A. Sticher (Dempsey); sons, James R. Sticher, John Boyd and Brandon Boyd; grandchildren, Trenton Sticher, Arden Dempsey and Gabriel Boyd, and sisters, Kitty Bentley and Celesta Stapp.
If Junior was nothing else, he was a storyteller- and his obituary will be told by his eldest daughter.
Junior was born in a private home in downtown Chattanooga on Feb. 29, 1944. He was a bright and spunky young man who spent his childhood and life in Harrison, Tn., wandering the woods looking for adventure and sometimes mischief, either alone, with cousins, or friends. Junior was always curious and had a fascination with history and all things electronic. He attended Ooltewah High School, where he played trumpet in the marching band and was center for the football team. Life for Junior was simple but not easy. At 16, while riding with his father to seek medical attention for Randolph Sr., his father passed from a massive heart attack at 39, leaving Junior to not only take over the vehicle, but also a grief-stricken young family. Junior managed this difficult time as best he could and eventually attended trade school for soldering and electronics. He was drafted into the Vietnam war in 1966.
As legend has it, his mother arranged for him to avoid combat since he was the only surviving male in the family - Junior was stationed in Germany for two years before returning home. He never went to Vietnam, but traveled over Europe learning history and culture.
Once home, he worked for Mills and Lupton before working as a switchman for Norfolk Southern railway for the next two decades. During this time, he welcomed two children with his then wife, Loretta - Megan Alycia and James Randolph.
At age 40, Junior had a massive heart attack, but thanks to God and Loretta (a nurse), Junior survived. God gave us an extra 41 years with Junior, and he certainly made the most of it.
Junior was among one of the most unique individuals - which you would expect from someone who only celebrates their true birthday every four years. He was always excited to be interviewed by the Times Free Press and gladly told his story. Both Megan and James were able to share the same “age” with their father growing up.
In his later years, Junior met and married Linda Faye.
He and Linda enjoyed two decades of travel and kinship, and were dedicated members of Lakewood Baptist Church.
Junior pursued a lot of passions in his lifetime such as money collecting, mason jars, civil war history, banana boxes, westerns, and cast-iron collectibles. Known as “Uncle Junior” to literally dozens of people.
He was the foremost historian and expert in genealogy. He kept meticulous records and photographed everything and everyone. Speculation could be these habits formed from the loss of his father - never having the questions he had about his own family fully answered yet delivering generations of history flawlessly to others.
His true passion in life was undeniably Megan and James. Junior loved being around children as he was a big kid himself. He poured his heart and soul into his children and loved them with a never-ending unconditional love. Always ready to fly a kite, answer questions such as how planes fly, or even jump off a cliff to hang glide. He was the best dad any kid could ever hope for. Every day was Legos, Go karts, BB guns, trampolines, and archery. It was a miracle none of us ended up in the hospital.
Megan and James fondly recall seeing every historical marker within a 100-mile radius of Chattanooga to this day.
They also know by heart Marty Robbins greatest hits.
Experiences such as picnics at the battlefield, playing on the banks of the Hiwassee River and biking at Fall Creek Falls were regular trips. Always the avid prankster, Junior may or may not have supplied toilet paper for rolling area yards in the 1990s. He was always up for a car ride and an ice cream. He always took time to explain ANY and ALL questions we had. Taking apart old microwaves and understanding circuitry was a pastime. Science and art museums were a constant. Discussions on atomic energy and ethics were usual conversations. Junior was always supportive and behind his kids 100% in all endeavors. Never missing a band performance or the opportunity to camp. He believed in his kids fully and gave them the confidence to try anything once, twice, or several times. Megan particularly was told to go after anything she desired and being a girl didn’t matter for pursuing goals in life.
He gave his children permission to make mistakes and to learn. He was quick to forgive and always knew how to make them laugh.
His legacy of being the greatest dad filling their childhoods with wonderment and acceptance lead to strong, stubborn independent thinkers as content confident adults. And doubly so for his grandchildren, as they will be a force to be reckoned with.
Junior’s stories and childlike curiosity will be greatly missed. It’s never easy to lose the lifelong compass and anchor in one’s life. Sadly Junior had suffered with dementia for the past two years, as we all witnessed his stories slowly come to an end.
But Junior has his children, grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews who will no doubt continue to tell his stories as he once did, with a spark of wistful enthusiasm and youthful laughter.
You will always be remembered.
We love and cherish you always.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 26, from 3-7 p.m. A visitation will also be held on Thursday, March 27, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the chapel at 12:30 p.m. with Dr. Steven Holder officiating.
Share your memories and express condolences at www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by Turner Funeral Home, Highway 58 Chapel, 423 622-3171.