Ralph E. Stewart

Reidsville GA

Mr. Ralph E. Stewart, age 74, passed away Monday September 9 2013 at Meadows Regional Medical Center in Vidalia.  The Toombs County native moved to Reidsville in 1959, working in the grocery business for Mr. Oliver Thompson, eventually becoming a partner, and ultimately sole owner.   In 1976, Mr. Stewart opened Stewart’s IGA and operated that business with his wife, Lona, until their retirement on June 15, 2012.  In recognition of his long term success, the Greater Tattnall County Chamber of Commerce awarded him the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award on March 5, 2010; the Tattnall County Commissioners presented him with a resolution on October 5, 2009 thanking him for 50 years of service to the community.  In addition to his business accomplishments Mr. Stewart was a very active member of Reidsville Baptist Church where he first became a member in 1961.  At his church home he served as a deacon and taught the Men’s Sunday school class for over 20 years.  His involvement in the community did not stop there.  He was on the board of directors for the Reidsville Industrial Authority, The Tattnall Bank, Southeastern Tech, and Pinewood Christian Academy.  Additionally he was a member of The Lions Club, The Jaycee’s, and The Rotary Club.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Stewart and Bennie Stewart Bass, one brother Wilbur Stewart, and a sister Dorothy McDaniel.

He is survived by his wife of over 53 years, Lona Stewart of Reidsville; son , Wayne Stewart of Reidsville; daughter, Gail (Bill) Gordon of Ellabell; brother, Edward (Linda) Stewart of Cumming GA; sister, Mary-Alice Wilder of Vidalia; one grandson Michael Skocz.  In addition numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Visitation will be held Wednesday September 11, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. from the Reidsville Chapel of Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home.  Funeral Services will be held Thursday September 12, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. from the Reidsville Baptist Church with the Reverends Steve Miller and Charles Jonas officiating.  Interment will be in the Reidsville City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Eddie Anderson, Lamar Smith, Pat Powell, Mark Thompson, John Howard, and John Jarriel.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Reidsville Baptist Church Deacons, Reidsville Baptist Church Men’s Sunday School class, the former employees of Stewart’s IGA, and Reidsville Rotary Club.

In lieu of flowers the family requests remembrances be made to Reidsville Baptist Church.