James “Bobby” Robertson Stewart, Jr. departed this life on Friday, April 13, 2018 being 85 years of age. He was born in Erwin, North Carolina on May, 11, 1932 to the late James Robertson Stewart, Sr. and the late Ida Catherine Stewart.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife Mrs. Daphine Suggs Stewart.
Bobby had attended Erwin High School and was a member of the 1952 graduating class. He married the love of his life, Daphine, on May 2, 1952 and they had many wonderful years together in marriage having two daughters born unto their union. Bobby later attended Fayetteville Technical Community College where he graduated with an associate’s degree and went on to have a successful career as an electrician. He had owned his own heating and cooling business for over 50 years in Dunn, “Stewart Heating and Air Conditioning.” He took great pride in his business, while operating with honesty and building trust amongst the community, Bobby enjoyed meeting and talking with all of his customers.
He was a simple man whose faith was his top priority, next to his family and friends whom he loved dearly. He was fun, loving and had always been full of life. Bobby was always on a mission to seek out his next laugh as he had loved playing pranks and jokes on those near to him.
The perfect day for Bobby would have been a sunrise at Pamlico pulling in flounder nets with “The gang”; with an afternoon baseball game to follow in the Bronx, as he had been a diehard New York Yankees fan.
Bobby had attended the Erwin Advent Christian Church where he had been a member since 1966. In his many years with the church he had helped develop many young people and guide them into the ministry. He was very active with Camp Dixie Youth Camp and was one of the first members assigned to its board; he was a key player in purchasing the land where it is located today. He was also a dedicated member of Phoenix 0008 Ancient Free & Accepted Masons in Fayetteville, NC.
He loved to fish, setting nets for flounder in Pamlico where he was known as the “Godfather” of Isle Vue Beach by those in his circle. He enjoyed years of Sunday trail riding and Arabian Horses. Bobby was called “Mighty Mouse” in his younger years as he was in a bowling league in Raleigh where he won many championships. He could also cook a mean pig on his famous pig cooker. He enjoyed country cooking and chocolate pie. He had breakfast at Anna Margaret’s Restaurant in Dunn for many years with his breakfast friends. He also valued the many nights spent playing Jeopardy with his family.
Left behind to carry on the legacy of a life well lived are the following members of his family: Two daughters; Cathy Stewart Williams and husband Dr. A.C. Williams and Tina Stewart Wise and husband Phil Wise both of Dunn; Grandchildren: Philip S. Byrd and wife Melissa of Cary, Stewart D. Wise and wife Katja of Raleigh, Dr. Trey Williams and wife Kelly of Dunn, James Courtney Williams and wife Meda of Angier; Great-grandchildren: Tyler Grace Gamblin, Auston Williams, Jackson Williams, James Williams, Johnson Williams, Annesley Byrd and Riley Byrd; and one sister Jackie Alford of Beaufort, North Carolina.
You are cordially invited to a time of visitation on Monday, April 16, 2018 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the Cromartie-Miller Funeral Home.
A funeral service to commemorate the life of James “Bobby” Robertson Stewart, Jr. will be conducted on Monday, April 16, 2018 at 4:00 PM in the chapel of the Cromartie-Miller Funeral Home with the Rev. Wayne Lucas officiating and assisted by the Rev. Jim Wallace.
He will be laid to rest with Masonic rites at the Stoney Run Pentecostal Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery with Philip Stewart Byrd, Stewart Wise, Trey Williams, Courtney Williams, Phil Byrd and Shelton Price serving as pallbearers.
Although, customary remembrances are welcome, memorial contributions may also be made to Camp Dixie Inc. at 373 Bladen Union Church Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28306.
Online condolences may be expressed at cromartiemiller.com
Cromartie-Miller Funeral Home is entrusted with all arrangements.