Williams County has a rich tradition in agriculture; however, members of the agriculture community often go unnoticed or unrecognized.
The goal of the Agriculture Hall of Fame is to recognize hardworking members of our agriculture community. After a nine-year hiatus, the Williams County Agriculture Hall of Fame is restarting in the 2024 calendar year.
The purpose of the Williams County Agriculture Hall of Fame is to recognize the outstanding contributions of an individual to the agricultural industry in Williams County. Individuals, spouses, or members of a business may apply for themselves or on behalf of someone else. Applications may also be submitted posthumously. The 2024 awardees are Paul and Carol Stuckey.
Paul E. Stuckey was born in 1936 to Eli and Mary Stuckey. He grew up on a dairy and grain operation near Archbold, Ohio.
When Paul was three years old, his father passed; however, his mother, Mary, continued the farming operation with the assistance of her sons and brother. In 1960, Paul moved his farming operation to West Unity.
Carol “Doll” A. Stuckey was born in 1942 to DB “Digger” and Marjory Wyse. Carol grew up near Stryker, Ohio, and worked with her father and brother in a custom harvesting, grain, and cattle operation. In 1960, Carol was voted Stryker FFA Sweetheart and Homecoming Queen. Generosity and tenacious hard work marked her life until she passed away in 2018.
Paul knew Carol through church, and their mothers were close friends. Paul asked Carol on their first date at age 23, and they were married soon after.
Together, they raised three daughters, Pam (Keith) Schroeder, Paula (Jeff) Sprow, and Patsy (Kevin) Miller. Paul and Carol worked to create a well-respected agricultural operation growing corn, soybeans, tomatoes, wheat, and cattle.
Paul learned the art of dehorning cattle from his father-in-law. A service Paul provided for 40 plus years. In 1968, Paul and his brother, Jim, purchased one of the first self- propelled silage harvesting machines in the area, and they began custom harvesting for farmers throughout northwest Ohio and southern Michigan.
Carol was a partner on the farm and worked beside her husband. Paul recalled that Carol could outwork most men and there was not a piece of equipment she could not operate.
Paul and Carol have contributed to Williams County Agriculture by being founding members of the Williams County Beef Producers, members of the State and National Cattlemen’s and Cattlewomen’s Association, beef stand volunteers, supporters of the local FFA chapters, Junior Fair Livestock auction, and 4-H advisors for 10 years.
Throughout the years, Paul and Carol have contributed to their community by being members of Lockport Mennonite Church and answering the Lord’s call to serve those in need by supporting orphans and refugees in Romania and Germany. Paul happily supports LifeWise Academy and its mission to share the love of Jesus with school age children.
While agriculture was a substantial portion of their lives, family was also important. The home farm has been in the family for 70 years and has housed three generations.
Paul and Carol have 6 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. The children stated that their marriage was marked by generosity and caring for the underdog.
Paul and Carol never missed a piano recital or cattle show. The family remembers Carol even got a speeding ticket when rushing to such an event. Paul and Carol would like their future descendants to remember to enjoy family company and work diligently to keep the family together.
Paul advises the next generation of farmers to keep current with the changing times, trust the Lord, and work to pay for it. Paul expressed, “There is no better place to raise a family than on a farm in Williams County.”
Paul and Carol Stuckey will be recognized at the Williams County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting on Tuesday, August 27th at 6:00 p.m. at the Williams County Veterans Memorial Building in Montpelier.
The 2025 applications for the Williams County Agriculture Hall of Fame are open and can be inquired about at the Ohio State University Extension – Williams County Office at (419) 636-5608 or 1425 East High Street, Suite 112, Bryan, OH 43506. The 2025 applications will remain open until June 1st, 2025.