W. Stead Obituary

W. Edward Stead, PhD, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and Professor of Management at East Tennessee State University, passed away peacefully in his home on October 3, 2025. He was 79 years old.
Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Ed received his BS (1968) and MBA (1972) from his beloved Auburn University, where he also met Jean, the love of his life, while teaching computer programming. He earned his PhD in Management from Louisiana State University in 1976. Ed served on the faculties of Western Illinois University and the University of Alabama in Birmingham before joining East Tennessee State University in 1982, where he remained as a respected professor until his retirement.
Ed dedicated his distinguished academic career to promoting sustainable and ethical business practices. Together with his wife and academic partner of 52 years, Dr. Jean Garner Stead, he pioneered the integration of environmental and social responsibility into business education. Their groundbreaking book, "Management for a Small Planet," first published in 1992, helped shape the field of sustainable business management and has influenced generations of students and business leaders worldwide. They later authored "Sustainable Strategic Management," which was the first book to integrate sustainability into the strategic management process.
Throughout his career, Ed authored numerous influential publications and received multiple honors, including the American Library Association Choice Outstanding Academic Book Award and the Academy of Management's Distinguished Service Award. He was a founding member of the Organizations and the Natural Environment Division of the Academy of Management.
Ed found his greatest joy in teaching and mentoring students, believing passionately that education was the key to creating a more sustainable and just world. His classroom was a place of inspiration where he challenged students to think critically about their role in society while nurturing their intellectual and personal growth. Countless former students have shared how Ed's guidance shaped not only their careers but their character, creating a legacy that extends far beyond academic achievement.
He lived his values, making his home with Jean on 12 wooded acres in the majestic Appalachian Mountains of northeast Tennessee. A dedicated practitioner of yoga, Ed earned his teaching certification from the Asheville Yoga Center in 2004, describing his practice as "meditation in motion." He was also a gifted poet who wrote many special poems for his loved ones, capturing moments of beauty and meaning in verse. Committed to environmental stewardship in all aspects of his life, Ed pursued a vision of zero waste in his mountain home, demonstrating that sustainable living was both possible and fulfilling.
Ed's heart remained forever tied to Auburn University, where he was a member of the Upsilon chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He maintained a second home there and regularly attended sporting events, embodying the "War Eagle" spirit throughout his life. In 2017, Auburn honored him with the Auburn University Sustainability Award in recognition of his groundbreaking research and teaching in sustainability.
A lifelong Methodist, Ed was a devoted member of Munsey Methodist Church and a founding member of the Melting Pot Ministry, which serves the lost, hungry, and homeless in the Johnson City downtown community. He worked tirelessly in this ministry, living out his faith through compassionate service to those in need.
He was immensely proud of his daughter, Garner Lee, whom he always described as an "old soul here to impart wisdom into the world." Ed's devotion to his grandchildren, Grant Thomas and Allison Grace, was boundless. He delighted in every moment spent with them, sharing his love of nature, learning, and life's simple pleasures. His eyes would light up when speaking of their accomplishments, adventures, and the joy they brought to his life.
Ed is survived by his wife and scholarly collaborator of 52 years, Dr. Jean Garner Stead; his daughter, Garner Lee Green (Mike); grandchildren Grant Thomas and Allison Grace; his son, Lance Graves (Karen); and his daughter, Valerie Mazzotti (Chris).
A celebration of Ed's life will be held at Munsey Memorial Methodist Church, October 11 at 3:00 p.m., with family receiving friends from 1:30-3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alzheimer's Tennessee or Munsey Methodist Church.
Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604 is honored to serve the Stead Family.