William Clifton "Cliff" Stewart

William Clifton “Cliff” Stewart reported for his final inspection at Heaven’s Gates on Nov 14, 2015. He spent a lifetime comforting and caring for others, but in his final hours he was comforted on his journey by his loving wife, Karen, daughter, Amy (John Kyle), son, Chad (Robin).

A hard working and compassionate man, Cliff was the best husband, dad, granddaddy, brother, son, uncle, nephew, and friend. A U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran, he was proud of his and his family’s selfless service to his country. He worked for almost 40 years as a funeral director with Service Corporation International ensuring that families, especially veterans, were properly cared for during their time of mourning. Though he was a man of few words, his timing was impeccable, always willing to share a funny story or a life lesson when someone needed it most.

He spent the last 18 months making a lifetime of memories with his family and friends, especially his beloved grandchildren. Though he was not ready, he lived each of the last 549 days of his life enjoying hunting, fishing, camping and laughing with everyone that knew him. Cliff left a lasting impression everywhere he went. His smile and laugh were infectious and his hugs warm and comforting. He could often be found in his favorite recliner with a grandchild on his lap teasing his grand-dogs with a laser pointer or sneaking them a Nilla wafer while a Seminoles football game played on a TV In the background. He was at his happiest when surrounded by family, enjoying a laugh and happy memory.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Karen, son Chad (Robin), daughter, Amy (John Kyle), and son, Shane (Katie), brother, Steve, sister, Ginger Green (Guy), 10 grandchildren, too many family members and friends to count and two grand-dogs, Jake and PJ.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please toast his memory with a shot of Jameson and make a donation to the Gainesville Fisher House Foundation at Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida. (www.gainesvillefisherhouse.org/donate). Without the wonderful facilities that the Gainesville Fisher House provided during his time at the VA Hospital, the last months of his life would have been much harder on him and his family.

Cliff will be laid to rest in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at 2:30pm.

Sailor, rest your oar. We have the Watch…