Harold 'Pops' Chester Stewart, Sr.

Angels carried Harold Chester Stewart, Sr., to his heavenly home on September 18, 2022. He died peacefully in Blairsville, GA, where two cherished friends, Nicole, and J. L. Davenport, willingly gave their time and energy to provide Harold with a quality life as his time on Earth drew near. Even in his last precious moments of life, these treasured companions provided comfort and outstanding care.

Harold, Sr. was born June 7, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan, to Carl Chester Stewart and Mary Howton Stewart. He entered the military early in life. He spent his first three years in the United States Marines and seventeen in the United States Air Force. He retired from military life after twenty years of loyal service, with four tours of duty in Vietnam. He courageously disarmed bombs in Vietnam and the United States for most of his military career. As a part of the Bergstrom Air Force bomb disposal team, he was honored by the Austin, Texas City Council for disarming a bomb left in a local Automotive Transmission shop. This occurrence was just one of many bombs he helped to disarm in the United States.

Several years after his retirement from The United States Air Force in 1969, he and his precious wife, Sarah Ward Stewart, moved their five children from Jacksonville, Florida to Georgia.

Harold was an outstanding technician while working in the restaurant business. Additionally, he supported his wife, Sarah, in developing and managing The Stewart Community Home in Columbus, Georgia, which she established in 1976. Both Harold and Sarah preferred to give to others. Their love, kindness, and persistence despite the struggles they faced were the qualities that made their mission so successful. For over forty-five years, the home Sarah established has provided a sanctuary for those struggling with homelessness and mental health adjustments. Without her husband and family's support, this facility would not be the source of care it is today.

Harold, Sr. was a delightful gentleman. Family and friends will remember him for his kindness, caring attitude, and unselfish desire to give to others. He had a keen sense of humor and was a storyteller par excellence! While living in Blairsville, he frequented a restaurant where he was known warmly as "Pops." Whenever he entered, all  could hear him shout, "Good Morning, Blairsville!"  During his earlier days, Harold was a fan of wrestling. Later he enjoyed good times with his dear friend J.L. Davenport while they watched #49, the racecar driven by J.L.'s son!

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Harold believed that he would return to Father God for eternity upon death. He loved God and lived according to his beliefs.

Sarah, Harold's lovely wife for over sixty-eight years, preceded him in death. His sisters, Erma Mae Campbell, Clara Bell Raisch, Ruth Perlene Mussigrosso, his brother Arthur Max Stewart, and his daughter, Teresa Schmock, have also passed away.

Survivors are daughters Carolyn (Kelly) Brown, Ruth (Rachael)  Stewart, sons David Stewart, and Harold C. Stewart, Jr. His "baby" sister, Barbara Fenton, is the last of his siblings to survive. He has multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren living.

There will be a graveside service of celebration for a life well lived at the Georgia National Cemetery on September 28, 2022, at 1:00 P.M., with Brother Chet Price presiding. The cemetery address is 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, GA. Phone number 770-479-9300. Many thanks to the Medford-Peden Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. for caring for our loved one. In place of flowers, you may wish to send memorial gifts to The Stewart Community Home in Columbus, Georgia.

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