John (Johnny) Tillman Stewart

.Mr. John Tillman “Johnny” Stewart, 79, of Charlotte, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on Tuesday morning, June 10, 2014, at his son’s home in Charlotte. He was born on February 4, 1935, in Miami, Florida, a son of the late Lispenard Ted Stewart and the late Myrtle Agnes Shealy Stewart Boehner. Johnny lived in Miami until 1944 when he moved to Chicago briefly, and he has lived in Charlotte since 1945. He attended Harding High School in Charlotte, and he subsequently became employed with Charlotte Oil Equipment and Welding, where he would work for over 25 years. Following this, he worked at Petroleum Equipment and Service until his 1997 retirement. He was employed with Cardinal Health after his retirement until January 2008.

Johnny became involved with Garr Memorial Church shortly after he came to Charlotte, and he was an active member there for over 35 years. He was keenly involved with the church’s ministry of Camp Lurecrest, where he first encountered Jesus as His Lord and Savior. Camp Lurecrest would continue to be an important place in his life as he worked there in the summers. Johnny was also a charter member of Christian Life Center, where he attended church for nearly 30 years. Hobby-wise, Johnny enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being with his family. He particularly enjoyed his three grandchildren. He loved Jesus above all else, and he loved to testify of Him to whomever he came in contact with.

In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his brother, James Lispenard “Jimmy” Stewart.

Johnny is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Esther Suddreth Stewart; one son, Chris Stewart and wife Paulette of Charlotte; three grandchildren: Jared, Grady, and Claire Stewart, all of Charlotte; two sisters-in-law, Jeanette Stewart and Mae Van Camp, both of Charlotte; several nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Johnny’s life will be held Friday at 2pm at Christian Life Center, 7100 Alexander Road, Charlotte, NC 28270, with Rev. Mark F. Matthews officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:30pm to 2pm at the church. Interment will follow the service at Sharon Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christian Life Center or to Hospice and Palliative Care (Charlotte Region-Uptown), 1420 East Seventh St, Charlotte, NC 28204. McEwen Funeral Service-Charlotte Chapel is serving the family