William"Bill"Griffin Stewart

William "Bill" Griffin Stewart Jr., 91, entered the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, Dec. 25, 2006, at his son's home in Houston. He was a native ofMoss Point, Miss., and a longtime resident of Baton Rouge. He served at Copolymer Rubber and Chemical Co. as a mechanical engineer in various staff and management positions and as a purchasing agent until his retirement in 1977. Mr. Stewart attendedMillsapsCollegeand graduated in 1938 with a degree in mechanical engineering fromMississippiStateUniversity, where he was a charter member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He worked as an engineer for the Mississippi State Highway Department and supported the World War II war effort as an inspector for the U.S. Department of Aeronautics at Bendix Corp. inTeterboro, N.J., before moving to Baton Rouge. In 1948, he married Annie Pearl Brock, the love of his life for 56 years, and they resided in Baton Rougeuntil her death in 2004. Mr. Stewart was an active member ofBroadmoorUnitedMethodistChurchand past president of the Baton Rougechapter of the Salvation Army. In addition to his wife, Mr. Stewart was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Stewart Sr., who were of Moss Point; son, William Griffin Stewart III; and sister, Mary Stewart Blades. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Judith Stewart of Houston; daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ann and Peter Torsch of Metairie; three grandchildren, Peter Stewart, Lauren Torsch and Patrick Torsch; sister, Helen Stewart Bunker of Natchez, Miss.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation atBroadmoorUnitedMethodistChurch, Baton Rouge, on Thursday, Dec. 28, from 9 a.m.until religious service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Ken Carroll. Graveside service atGriffinCemetery, Moss Point, at 4:30 p.m.Thursday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children'sResearchHospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN38101-0050. Arrangements by Rabenhorst Funeral Home East.