Donald R. Stewart Sr

Donald Ray Stewart, Sr., 92, of Elgin, South Carolina, went to be with his Lord and Savior and loved ones on July 10, 2026. Born in Pensacola, FL on March 27, 1934, he was the son of the late Mabel Culbreth Jordan and Walker Winston Stewart.

He grew up in Norfolk Virginia where he spent many hours swimming and enjoying the beautiful beach.

He earned the Eagle Scout Badge in 1947 and was an Honorary Member of the Order of the Arrow. After graduating Granby High School, he joined the United States Marine Corp at age 17 and at age 18 spent 13 months in the Korean War, participating in two major battles. He was awarded three division medals. After he was discharged, he attended William and Mary College, the University of Richmond, and the Southern Baptist Seminary. He spent 10 years in the ministry and was a member of the Pontiac Masonic Lodge. He spent fifty years in the health insurance business and was co-owner of Stewart and Monroe Health Insurance Agency. His fellow insurance agents used to joke with him that he invented insurance.

Before retirement, he enjoyed playing golf with his buddies, Rev. Robert Winburn, Rev. John Platt, and Russ Richelle. In his latter years, he loved his daily fix from Starbucks on Clemson Road. Tall hot Americana, with 3 pumps of Mocha. He loved his sweets.

He was a member of Spring Valley Baptist Church in Columbia, where he taught Sunday School for 16 years. He loved his class members and appreciated the visits, cards, and calls. He loved the monthly “sausage balls” made by Betty and Harold Driver and banana nut bread made by other members of the class. He also enjoyed his bible study with Deborah Richelle. Yes, he was spoiled but loved. He also enjoyed listening to sermons by Dr. Wendell Estep and Dr. David Jeremiah.

He loved his in-laws, G. P. and Virginia Monroe and enjoyed many fun times with them. It left such a void in the family's life when they passed, as well as a beloved cousin, Joe Hudson, who was always there for you.

Don loved his dogs, Pierre, Pixie, Bandit, Molly, Lucy and Brandi. They were all very special to him and he enjoyed them immensely. He loved to ride them on the golf cart and even a guinea, he called Jr., (after his father-in-law) that would sit on the golf cart with him.

He is survived by his beautiful wife Cynthia of 47 years, who he called his “backbone to life;” his beautiful daughter Ashley Dawn Crouch (Stephen); and three beautiful grandchildren, Kaylee Virginia, John Oliver, and Rose Marie, who kept him on his toes and bought great joy to his life; his brother, Lenny Jordan (Rhonda); cousins, Eddie (Bobbi) and Walker Stewart (Debbie); nephews, Zachary Jordan (Sheena), Hank Goff (Cate), Drew Monroe (Kelsey); nieces, Denise Thomley (David) and Misty Burroughs; and sister-in-law, Myra Monroe.

He is predeceased by Mother, Mabel C. Jordan; Father, Walker W. Stewart; Stepfather James L. Jordan, Sr.; Brother, Archie D. Smith, Jr.; Daughter, Patrice Buckheit; Son, Donald Ray Stewart, Jr.; and Grandson, Walker W. Stewart.

Many thanks to Dr. Frampton Henderson, Josie and staff at Providence Family Practice; Dr. Rosemary Lambert-Falls, Dr. Benjamin Massey, Dr. Fred Kudrik and staff of SCOA; Dr. Lee Jordan and staff of Columbia Skin Clinic; Dr. Lauren Holliday, Prisma Cardiology; Dr. Alan Brill (ENT), Dr. Bailey, VA, Amedysis Home Health/Rehab Brandon, Vanessa and staff, MUSC Wateree Rehab Libby and staff, and his wonderful, loving, caring, caregivers, Monique Kelly, Belton Maxwell, Natasha Belton, Darell Maxwell, Josie Cantey, and the many friends who visited and called to check on him over the years.

Also, he loved his special friends from over the years – Phyllis and Joe Wojciechowski, Kathleen Lynch, Ginny and Arnie Fazio, Tina Register, Cindy and Jimmy Kelly, Nam, as well as many others.

The funeral service for Mr. Stewart will be held at 1 o’clock on Monday, July 13, at Spring Valley Baptist Church, 91 Polo Road, Columbia, South Carolina. The family will receive friends and loved ones prior to the service beginning at 12 o’clock. Burial will be will immediately following at Union Baptist Church Cemetery, 1177 Wildwood Lane, Elgin, South Carolina.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.