Stuart Allen Villars

Stuart A. Villars, 75, of the Clarks Chapel community in Franklin, and of Jupiter, Florida, passed away at Harris Regional Hospice Care in Sylva on May 12, 2018. Stuart died of idiopathic pulmonary fibroses, though he never smoked a day in his life. He was born in 1942 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stuart was an optician to the rich and famous of Palm Beach, Florida for over 42 years. He sold Villars Opticians in 2010 to retire and establish a home in Franklin with his wife, Judy. He strove for excellence and integrity and was respected by his colleagues and loved by his clients. Stuart also served at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Newport, Rhode Island. Stuart was enthusiastic about many things, and fast cars were high on the list, whether he was restoring them or driving them on winding mountain roads. He belonged to several Corvette clubs here in the mountains and loved going to car shows. Stuart was happiest when he was at his home in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. He loved to sit on his porch rocking chair with his coffee and watch the deer, wild turkeys, hummingbirds and wildlife that surrounded his home. He got spiritual inspiration from the beauty of these mountains. He had a passion for woodworking and loved being in his basement workshop creating items that will be cherished for years. Stuart is survived by his wife and soul mate of 18 years, Judy Kaye; and son Todd Villars, Todd's wife Amy and step-daughter Bailie of Okeechobee, Florida; brother-in-law Stephen Kay and wife Mary Lou of West Palm Beach, Florida; beloved friends Damon Johnson, Mike and Evelyn VanHook, and Donnie and Diane Stanley, all of Franklin; Doug and Andi Coomer of Lakemont, Georgia, Bob and Therese Birdsall of Singer Island, Florida; as well as Keith D. Greenside, Diana Villars, and our many wonderful neighbors of Clarks Chapel.