Stuart Walter Britton

Obituary Stuart (Stu) Walter Britton

On Friday, June 6, 2025, Stuart (Stu) Walter Britton passed away at the age of 98. 

He was born on October 7, 1926, in Richmond, Virginia. Son of Margret Throckmorton Britton and Stuart Leslie Britton. After graduating from High School, he joined the United States Navy, serving during World War II and became a member of our Greatest Generation. Once his duty was fulfilled, he returned home and attended Richmond Polytechnic Institute, now known as Virginia Commonwealth University. After College he joined the baseball Farm team of the New York Giants. His love of baseball began as a boy and lasted his entire life. 

He met and married Nancy Carol Upchurch and they lived in her hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. He quit baseball to better support his family. The couple moved to Columbia; S.C. and he started his life's work in Textile and Garment sales which lasted over 50 years.

He was an avid sportsman and athlete. A self-taught golfer, he played in and won several amateur tournaments throughout North and South Carolina. Known to many who grew up in Columbia as "Coach Stu", he coached many youth teams of multiple sports where he mentored several boys to excel and progress to High School, College and Professional Careers. He was an accomplished equestrian and always held a deep love of animals. He was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church for many years. Then He and Nancy helped to establish Northeast Presbyterian Church where he served as Deacon and Elder. Nancy Upchurch Britton passed away October 30, 1994.

After Nancy’s passing, he remarried Ann Musarra of Atlanta, Ga. The couple enjoyed dancing and the South Carolina Symphony. His optimism was infectious. He brought so much joy and humor to everyone he met. You were going to hear a story or joke from him, and he would laugh harder than his audience. He would advise us all to live life with a smile on your face, bring joy to all the people around you and enjoy every bite of ice cream you eat.

He was predeceased by his wife Nancy Upchurch Britton. He is survived by his son Stuart W. Britton, Jr. (Buddy) and his wife Susan Dunn Britton of Seabrook, S.C.; Daughter Carol Britton of Columbia; Wife Ann Musarra Britton of Columbia, S.C.

A Celebration of his life will be on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Gregg Park Clubhouse at 71 Gregg Parkway in Columbia. The family thanks Agape Hospice House for their kind care. 

Donations can be made to Final Victory Animal Rescue of Columbia S.C. at Finalvictoryrescue.com and click Donate.