Richard Conrad Stelling

Richard "Conrad" Stelling, 94, of Macon, passed peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Heritage Inn Health and Rehabilitation in Statesboro, Georgia. Visitation will be Friday, January 2, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Hart's on Cherry Street. A funeral mass will be held the following day, Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Macon followed by an inurnment at Riverside Cemetery. Fr. John Johnson will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Conrad's name be sent to the Mike Garvin Scholarship Fund at Mount De Sales Academy, 851 Orange Street, Macon, GA 31201, or online at www.mountdesales.net.

Mr. Stelling was born in Augusta, GA, to Walter Cameron Stelling and Minnie Bell Wright Stelling. After graduating from Brown High School in Atlanta, he served his country in the United States Army during the Korean conflicts, stationed primarily at Fort Richardson, in Alaska. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Southern Technical Institute in Atlanta, where he earned an associate degree in industrial engineering. In 1957, he began a life-long career with Bearings and Drives, Inc., (now known as B & D Industrial) at the home office in Macon where he wore many hats over the nearly 65 years he worked there. He served as Manager of the Macon office, as well as Director of the Distribution Center, Defensive Driving Instructor, and Safety Director. He finally retired in 2021 at the age of 90.

In his spare time, Conrad enjoyed being in his workshop doing woodworking, most notably building bluebird houses. He was a faithful parishioner of St. Joseph's Catholic Church where he served as a chalice minister for many years as well as a host and tour guide of the church during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. In 2014 he was awarded the Gartland Award for dedicated service to the church. He also was a member of the former Riverside Club of Optimist International for over 30 years. He served as president of the club on several occasions and was District Lieutenant Governor in the 1990s.

Besides his parents, Conrad was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Jakie Murray Stelling, and his sisters, Montyne Atkinson and Peggy Haywood.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He leaves behind many family members and friends who love him dearly. He is survived by his daughter Susan Catto (Ian) of Brooklet; his grandson, John Catto (Kylie Sands) of Port Wentworth; a sister-in-law, Sandi Ahlbrand (Bruce) of Port Charlotte, Florida; and a brother-in- law, Billy Davis of Ludowici, a host of nieces and nephews, and a wealth of close friends who brought so much happiness to his life.

The family would like to take this opportunity to thank all the caregivers who loved him and were there for him over the last few years. Your love for him sustained us all! Thank you isn't enough to show how much you are appreciated.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s on Cherry Street, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 765 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201 has charge of the arrangements.