Billy Gene “Bill” Stewart

Billy Gene “Bill” Stewart, 91, of Hot Springs, formerly of Pine Bluff, passed from this life Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, at his home with his wife and family at his side. Born in Leachville to the late Leland Stanford and Elsie Field Stewart, he was a 1950 graduate of Leachville High School and joined the army in 1952, serving as a sergeant in Korea in the 3rd Infantry Division also known as the “Rock of the Marne.” From 1954-1973 he lived and worked in Leachville and Blytheville. Bill relocated to Pine Bluff in 1973, working at Stewart Building and Hardware which was owned by his brother, Ray. In 1995 he retired and picked up a part time job at McFarland Eye Clinic. This soon turned into a full-time job, and he became supervisor of the transportation department and later supervisor of maintenance when the clinic ceased providing transportation for their patients. He worked full time at McFarland’s for 25 years and retired at the age of 87. Bill was an avid reader and enjoyed all things airplane (especially the Thunder Over the Rock air shows at the Little Rock Air Force Base), working in his yard and being outside, playing basketball and baseball in his driveway and yard with his kids and grandkids and was a big fan of the Razorbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals. On Nov. 6, 1975, Bill married Barbara Kay Henry Edwards and they remained devoted to each other for 48 years. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Wilda Lovelady; his brother, Ray Stewart; a son, Tony Edwards; and a son-in-law, Philip Peterson.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Kay Stewart of the home; three sons, Stan Stewart and Grant Stewart, both of Doniphan, Mo., and Craig Edwards (Julie) of Washington, N.C.; three daughters, Donna Kay Edwards Smith (Dan) of Hot Springs, Leslie Stewart Netherland (Bob) of Doniphan, Mo., and Sandra Edwards Peterson of Arkadelphia. He also leaves 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and many very special nephews and nieces.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville with Craig Edwards officiating. Burial will follow in Leachville Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Saturday from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. The family is requesting lasting memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriners Children’s Hospitals, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394. Online guest register is at www.howardfuneralservice.com.