They say that the only two certainties in life are death and taxes. Well, we just wrapped up tax season, now we’re grieving the death of a good man. John Stewart, 62, passed away unexpectedly on April 22, 2018.
He’s going to be missed by many, but especially his wife of 37 years, Cindy Stewart; his two daughters, Carey Stewart and fiancée Scott Blakeman, Washington DC; and Jacqueline Tomlin and Zack, Raleigh, NC; and his sister, Margaret Teague and Wes, Alexandria, VA. ; and nephew Sam Teague, Arlington, VA. John was born May 31, 1955 in Alice, Texas to the late Inez Merryday and Rev.
J. Rufus Stewart. He was a precocious Texas kid who loved to learn and be outdoors. He attended St. Joseph Academy, graduated from Brownsville High, Class of ’73 and went on to college at Texas A&M, where he obtained a Bachelors Degree in Wildlife & Fishery in the class of 1977.
His schooling days didn’t end at A&M, though. He later received a Masters Degree in Geology from the University of Missouri. He set his sights on a career in geology and achieved his objective.
John enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a geologist, becoming Chief Geologist for ECS Southeast, LLC. He was an active member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists and the Geological Society of America. Throughout his life he coupled his passion for stewarding the environment with hard work and never looked back.
John cared about his community. Involvement in the life of his neighborhood and town wasn’t something to just check off on a to-do list – it was a way of life. He was a member of Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church and served on the Vestry, including Senior Warden.
He served on the YMCA of Greater Winston-Salem, Kernersville Family Branch board, eventually becoming Chairman of the Board. In 2003, John received the prestigious Strong Award in recognition for outstanding service to his community. As a passionate soccer coach, referee, and assignor he served as a mentor for hundreds of youth for many years.
John was also an active member of Greensboro’s Crescent Rotary for 25 years. He believed in the important social and service components of Rotary where he joined 1. 2 million Rotarians in making a difference in this world.
He is a Paul Harris Society member, contributing annually to the Rotary International Foundation. He will be missed for his effervescent, friendly spirit and his commitment to service. For 20 years, John served as the pool maintenance manager for Gatewood Playground, Inc., helping the community usher in and celebrate the summer months.
The funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church, 401 Oakhurst Street, Kernersville, NC 27284 at 4:00 pm, Friday April 27. The family is looking forward to visiting with friends at the First Baptist Church reception hall immediately following the service. Friends and family are also encouraged to sign and view the guestbook at www.
Pierce-JeffersonFuneralService.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sisters HOPE, www. sistershope.org/Donations. html.
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