Dr. Stephen Stow
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On June 30, 2021, Stephen Harrington Stow, age 80, walked through the gates and began asking God questions about how in the hell he got there. Steve was a graduate of Vanderbilt University and earned his MS and PhD degrees in Geochemistry from Rice University. He worked for Continental Oil Company early in his career and then taught Geology at the University of Alabama during the years of Coach "Bear" Bryant. In 1980 he moved to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory as Head of the Geology Department and later became the Ethics Director for the institution. Steve retired in 2005 after serving as Director of the Oak Ridge Museum of Science and Energy.
As a longstanding member, he was treasurer of the National Geological Society of America and a member of the Knoxville Philatelic (Stamp Society). Steve served as ORNL's Ombudsman and was also a Fellow of the Advancement of Science and Geological Society of America.
He was a nationally known authority on the Manhattan Project and occasionally wore a suit and hat from that era for his animated lectures on this subject. He was instrumental in documenting the history of ORNL, recording interviews with many of the notable scientists who had worked there.
Locally Steve also served on several committees within the Farragut Community, most notably as President of the Farragut Museum. He was instrumental in the production of the History of Farragut Film, interviewing and recording of many persons involved in the formation of Farragut.
Steve is survived by his wife, Jeanie Chaney Stow; daughters, Lauren Simpson and Jennifer Stow; stepson, Matt Chaney (Jen); grandchildren, Regan, Piersen, and Mac Simpson, and Juliana and Maggie Chaney; sister, Cynthia Yancey; and many lifelong friends. Steve was one of a kind with a dry sense of humor...he was famous for saying "When I get around to it...", although he never did. Everyone who met him, loved him. A Celebration of Life will be held 2-5pm on August 28 at the new Farragut Community Center, 239 Jamestowne Boulevard, Farragut, TN. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Museum of Science & Energy or the Farragut Museum.