John Leslie Stewart Jr.

John was born on October 4, 1946, in Tuskegee, Alabama, to the late John L. Stewart Sr. and Vivian L. Goree-Stewart. He graduated from Tuskegee Institute High School and went on to earn a degree from Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University). A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Epsilon Chapter, he followed in the footsteps of his father, John L. Stewart Sr., who was initiated into the Tau Chapter at West Virginia State College in 1940.

John served his country honorably in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971 as a Personnel Specialist, earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and recognition as a sharpshooter. His commitment to service continued in his civilian life, where he built a distinguished career in the transportation and logistics industry. He worked for Southern Pacific Transportation Company and American President Lines in California before retiring in 2009 as Director of Intermodal Operations for Pacer International in Georgia.

John’s commitment to his beloved fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., was a lifelong passion. He actively engaged with his fraternity brothers across the country, holding membership in the Tuskegee (Alabama), Ventura (California), and Alpharetta (Georgia) Alumni Chapters. A testament to his dedication, he was a charter member of both the San Fernando (California) and, later, the Stockbridge-Jonesboro (Georgia) Alumni Chapters, establishing roots and fostering brotherhood wherever he went.

Beyond his fraternity, John cherished time spent with family and friends, especially at his family’s lake house. There, he happily assumed the role of “Kaptain” during boat rides, creating lasting memories. Tuskegee University’s homecoming was an annual tradition for him and his family, a time to reconnect with classmates and fraternity brothers. John also found joy in cultivating beauty around him, meticulously landscaping not only his own yards but also those of his daughters.

John’s service left an enduring impact, earning him a multitude of honors and recognitions that will long be remembered. Selected honors include:

Active Lifetime Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., 57 years

Senior Kappa Affairs Committee Chairman for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc

Committee Chairman, Southeastern Province Senior Kappa Affairs

Vice Chairman of the National Committee, 2010

The Joseph R. Jenkins Award, 2015

Grand Polemarch’s Certificate of Appreciation, 2019

Outstanding Service Award as Chairman, National Senior Kappa Committee, 2021

Award of Appreciation and Service, the Stockbridge- Jonesboro Alumni Chapter, 2011-2013

John L. Stewart, Jr leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication to his family and community. He was preceded in death by his parents, John L. Stewart, Sr., and Vivian L. Goree-Stewart, as well as his sisters, Valerie Chambliss and Vivian Stewart.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Darlene Gibbs-Stewart of Stockbridge, GA; his children, Tracy Howard of Riverside, CA, Lynne Melvin of McDonough, GA, Karmen Stewart-Smith (Aki) of Atlanta, GA, and Ekeisha Gibbs of Covington, GA; and his grandchildren, Patrick McCrary II, Lauryn Powell, Konnor A. Smith, Jaheim Howard, Jauresee Howard, Javel Howard, and Jari Howard. John is also survived by his sisters, Karen Stewart-Moore of Tuskegee, AL, Phyllis Gosa (Richard) of Mobile, AL, and Kaye Wright of College Park, GA, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. John will be fondly remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, his contributions to his community, and his distinguished career. His life serves as a testament to all who knew him, leaving an enduring mark of hard work, love, and service

Link to join the Celebration of Life for John Leslie Stewart:

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