Ray Stewart

Funeral services for Earl Ray Stewart, 81, of Cookeville, will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2022, 12:00 noon, at Collegeside Church of Christ, Cookeville. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Rob Draper Memorial Cemetery, Gainesboro, TN. Family will receive friends, Tuesday evening, March 22, 4:00 - 7:00pm, at the Church. Services are to be officiated by Minister John Nichols, with grandsons and family members serving as pallbearers. Mr. Stewart passed peacefully, Friday, March 18, surrounded by his loving family. Surviving, are devoted wife, Nan Sadler Stewart and children; Mary Beth Stewart (Greg) Shirley of Cookeville, Ronda Lee (Kelly O’Callaghan) Stewart of St. Clair Shores, MI and Robert Ray (Elizabeth) Stewart of Chattanooga, TN. Also surviving are three granddaughters; Mary Landress Stewart, Grace Gilman Stewart and Elizabeth Wells Stewart, all of Chattanooga and three grandsons; Trent Gregory Shirley, Grant Alan Shirley and Stewart Lee Shirley, all of Cookeville. Mr. Stewart is survived by a host of nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends. Mr. Stewart was born November 09, 1940, in Livingston TN, to the late Claude Cleveland Stewart and Maggie Matthews Stewart. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by infant daughter; Debra Lynn Stewart (March 18, 1963), sister, Dorothy Stewart Lucent and brother, Billy Ross Crowley. He is preceded in death by wife, Dora Hollifield Stewart. A 1958 Livingston Academy graduate, Mr. Stewart attended Tennessee Polytechnic Institute (TTU) and later earned dual associate degrees in skilled trades. Upon retirement from the Chrysler Corporation (Detroit MI), he returned to his native middle Tennessee, making Cookeville his home. A patriotic citizen, Mr. Stewart served his beloved nation in the United States Army and in the Tennessee National Guard. A faithful Christian, he worshiped with Collegeside Church of Christ, where he involved himself with benevolence ministry. Mr. Stewart was a devoted husband, having married his high school sweetheart, Nan Sadler, in 1959 and reuniting in marriage in 2008. A loving father and an adoring grandfather, he cherished his role as “Papa,” showering his grandchildren with love, affection, time and treasure. He took great pride in attending their academic and athletic events and in celebrating their accomplishments. Nothing rewarded him with greater pleasure. In addition to the enjoyment of his family, Mr. Stewart, a quiet man, enjoyed the simple elements of life; gardening, scenic drives (enhanced by vintage country music) and seasonal beauty. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Mustard Seed Childrens’ Ranch, the Happy Haven Christian Childrens’ Home or the Collegeside Church of Christ benevolence ministry are encouraged. Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is entrusted with the care of the Stewart family (931)526-6111 hhhfunerals.com.