He started his career in 1961 as a booker and salesman at National Screen Service. He founded production and distribution company, Harnell Independent Productions, in 1970 and Cinema Concepts Theatre Service Corporation in 1977; innovative companies that revolutionized the movie theater experience. Cinema Concepts remains one of the leading creative and production companies in the industry.
Stewart was a devoted philanthropist and raised millions of dollars for children’s and other charities throughout his life. He served on the chapter boards of Variety Club, the Children's Charity in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and New Orleans. He was an eight-term president of Atlanta Tent 21 and a board member for the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation and the Cinema Advertising Council. He was honored with several awards including in more recent years the WXIA Community Service Award, Variety Club’s Heart Award, and the ShowEast “E” Award for outstanding achievement and dedication to the industry.
He is survived by his wife, Sharron A. Harnell, his children Missi (and Atir Levin) Wolf, Ali (and Peter Anderson) Harnell, Steve (and Tracy) Harnell, Scott (and Katie Kornberg) Harnell, and eight amazing grandchildren, Isaac and Eli Murphy, Madeline and Olivia Wolf, Sydney, Nolan, Anika, and Harry Harnell, and his loving and devoted Cinema Concepts family.
There will be a Celebration of Stewart’s life for family and friends on Saturday May 12th at 10:30 am at the Chastain Horse Park, 4371 Powers Ferry Road, Atlanta 30327.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Variety Club of Georgia. http://varietyofgeorgia.org/donation/donation
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