Robert L. "Bob" Stewart Sr.

Robert L. “Bob” Stewart, Sr., 78, died peacefully at his home in Martinez, Georgia on Sunday, May 18, 2014. He had a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. Robert was born in Largo, Florida on July 27, 1935, to the late Jake T. and Annie Mae (Henry) Stewart. He was the fourth of nine children.

In 1953, he enlisted in the United State Army, retiring in 1974 as a First Sergeant. After his military service, he became a manager with Household Finance Company. In 1977 he moved with his family from Spring Lake, NC to Augusta, GA to manage a Branch Office there. After several years, he changed careers and became an insurance agent with Metropolitan Life. Acting on faith he became a self-employed independent agent, and launched Stewart Insurance Agency. He owned and operated Stewart Insurance Agency until retirement in 1992.

Bob was a dedicated and faithful member of God’s Church of Grace, a congregation of Grace Communion International, where he served as elder. He was an unselfish, loving, gentle and patient Daddy, Dad and Papa, to his children and grandchildren. He was the best friend of Barbara (Davis) Stewart, his wife of 47 years. Bob loved to spend time with his family and friends. He especially loved RV camping and cabin lodging in the Georgia and Tennessee mountains with his family. One of his hobbies was making repairs on his cars, which he learned from his Dad and passed on to his son. Bob loved music; especially jazz. He would listen to his records for hours on the weekend. At age 70, he satisfied a lifelong dream of teaching himself to play the saxophone. His musical passion lives on through his children and grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara; daughter, Robin (Perry) White, Palm Harbor, FL; son, Robert Stewart, Jr, Evans, GA; stepdaughter, Beverly P. Stewart, Pinellas Park, FL; grandchildren, Joshua White, Michael White, Gabrielle Stewart, Robert “Tre” Stewart, and Julianna Stewart; great grandsons, Elijah White and Brycen Stewart; sisters, Melissa (Willie) Albert, Rose Williams, and Betty Revels of St. Petersburg, FL; sisters-in-law, Rachel Stewart, Clearwater, FL, Ponzell Davis, Jupiter, FL; brothers-in-law, Abram (Gail) Davis, ME, Charles Davis, Riviera, FL Luther (Ethel) Davis, Palm Bay, FL, Roy (Helen) Davis, Jupiter, FL, Sidney (Sonia) Davis, Headland, AL; two aunts, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, one daughter in Christ, Renee Brown, two sons in Christ, Stuart Crosby and Lester Pretlow, devoted neighbors and friends.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at Elliott Sons Funeral Home, 4255 Columbia Road, Martinez, GA 30907.

Funeral services will be held 9 AM, Thursday, May 22, 2014, at Elliott Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Howard Blakeney officiating and Pastor Keith Brittain giving the eulogy.

Graveside services will follow at 1PM, Thursday in Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC 29229.