Obituary: Ronald Coleman “Bud” Stewart
Ronald Coleman “Bud” Stewart ~ August 27, 1940 – July 19, 2023 (age 82)
Ronald Coleman “Bud” Stewart, 82, of Hickory Valley passed away peacefully at home on July 19, 2023, following a prolonged illness.
He was born on August 27, 1940, in the Sandy Springs community near Middleton. The son of the late Joel and Tressie Harris Stewart, he was preceded in death by in-laws James Wilburn and Ona Mae Hammons; sister, Carolyn Ash, sister-in-law, Wanda Rodgers, brothers-in-law, R.E. “Bud” Ash, Larry Gene Hammons, and Thomas Eslinger; cousin, Huey Mott; and special friends, Ernie Boren and Rich Emerson.
Mr. Stewart He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Betty Hammons Stewart, sister, Brenda Eslinger, of Waco, Texas; and three sons and daughters-in-law Keith (Leigh Anne) of Brentwood, Todd (Leigh Ann) of McMinnville, and Jason (Christine) of Davis, California. He also leaves behind five grandchildren of which he was particularly proud, Thomas, Chelsea, Rachel, Caroline, and Gillian Stewart. Ronnie will also be missed by sisters-in-law, Linda (Winton) Tinch, Brenda (Larry) Mooney, Shirley (Ted) Clifft, and Donnis (Barry) Lake; brothers-in-law Phillip (Deborah) and Doug (Tammy) Hammons; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A strong work ethic was cultivated in his youth by picking cotton, raising animals, and mowing grass. A dedicated, lifelong educator, he earned his Ed. D from UT, Knoxville, master’s degrees from Memphis State and Ole Miss, a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State, and valedictorian honors from Middleton High School. Mr. Stewart served as a teacher, principal, and administrator for the Memphis City Schools for 30 years, including assignments at East, Treadwell, Richland Junior, Colonial Junior, Georgian Hills, and Overton high schools. He concluded his professional career with a 10-year stint in the classroom at Horn Lake High School in Mississippi. A plain-spoken man of letters, he believed earnestly in the importance of quality public education being available for all. Mr. Stewart enjoyed hunting for deer, fishing for catfish, and then preparing and sharing the fruits of his labor. He dabbled in agricultural pursuits and traveled following retirement and relocation to Hardeman County. Mr. Stewart requested memorials be made to the American Cancer Society and Middleton Church of Christ.
Funeral services will be held at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Middleton on Friday, July 21, 2023, at 11 a.m. Special thanks to Gentiva Hospice of Bolivar for its service.
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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