LITTLE ROCK, Ark.-Two daughters of a man shot and killed at his home in Maumelle last week are honoring their father.
60-year-old Jerry Stuart was set to receive the Black Alumni Association Award from Henderson State University this Friday.
“I’m excited but disappointed that he can’t see it you know. I know that he can see it but he is not in the flesh and that makes all the world of difference,” Anderson said.
His daughters, Richedra Shaw and Nikki Anderson said there father wanted this award for several years and they can’t wait to be there and accept it in his honor.
Nikki Anderson said her dad was a classy man.
“Just a person that everybody would want to know,” she said.
“Everyone always thought he was a cool dad or the favorite uncle,” Shaw added.
Richedra Shaw said her dad graduated from Henderson State University in 1980 and was a 3-time All American in Track and Field.
“After his time at Henderson he actually qualified for the U.S. Olympics and that was in 1980. The year the U.S. unfortunately boycotted,” Shaw continued.
Jerry Stuart was a father of 5 and married for more than 30 years.
“It’s just something you can’t even explain…no one saw it coming,” Shaw said.
His daughters said it’s been tough and hard to accept he’s gone.
“This was a man who was healthy and he was filled with wisdom. When something like that is just taken away from you pray, pray to not be angry, you pray to not be bitter, you pray that God gives you the strength to endure because you don’t understand,” Anderson said.
As they struggle with why, they do know how much this Friday would mean to their dad.
“You can’t even explain, like he was super excited. This is an award we’ve wanted for him for years now and with all of his accomplishments it was just well deserved for him,” Shaw said.
The family will receive the award this Friday at Henderson State University at 6:00 p.m.
Stuart will be laid to rest this Saturday in his hometown of Saratoga.
Police are still investigating his death. If you have any information call Maumelle Police.