Kelly Wayne Stewart, age 78, of Rison, went to be with Jesus Christ on Friday, June 22, 2018. Kelly was born on December 15, 1939 to A.H. and Mellie Goggans Stewart of Herbine. He was raised in the Herbine community and after graduating from Rison High School in 1957, he served in the Arkansas National Guard.
He worked in the Power House and Water Treatment Facility for International Paper Company for 37 years. Kelly married the love of this life, Rebecca (Becky) Sue Tucker on May 18, 1961. He left a legacy of cherishing the gifts of God and loving people like Jesus to his family.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 57 years, Becky Stewart, two children and their spouses, Ginny and Jimmy Chambliss, and Lee and Karan Stewart, all of Herbine, four grandchildren who adored their “Papa”, Brooke Chambliss Stauddy and James of Jacksonville, Ben Chambliss of Bossier City, LA, Madisyn Stewart, and Caleb Stewart of Herbine. In addition to his parents , Kelly was preceded in death by one brother, James Glen Stewart and a sister, Helen Marjorie Stewart Neely. He is survived by one brother, Billy Gene Stewart of Pansy and a sister, Karen Ailene Stewart Taylor of Herbine.
Kelly loved to use his talents to serve God. He played the organ for many years at the church he had been a member of for most of his life, Bethel #2 Missionary Baptist Church in Herbine. Even toward the end of his illness, he did not want to stop serving the Lord in this capacity.
Kelly was known for the kind words he offered to people and his pure heart to help anyone in need. He taught his family, through example, to treat everyone the way Jesus would want us to. In order to thoroughly enjoy the life in which God gave him, Kelly traveled, camped, fished, and hunted with family and friends.
He would even combine his love of fixing/building things and “nature” by turning a Volkswagen bus into a motor home. Kelly’s life was all about family. He was so proud and supportive of his wife, children, and grandchildren, and the love for him will be carried on until they see him again.
Pallbearers will be Mark Young, Wilton Johnston, Tommy Richardson, Trent Young, Jeff Patrick, Jerry Thomasson, Bobby Hyatt, Jr., and Jackie Rauls, honorary pallbearers will be Herman Fleming, Billy Boyce and Don Massey. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Buie Funeral Home in Rison. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 24, 2018 at Bethel #2 Missionary Baptist Church with Bro.
Wade Peddy and Bro. Jackie Richardson officiating. Interment will follow in Prosperity Cemetery.
Arrangements by Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870) 325-6216.
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