Celebration of Life

Thursday I got the call that I'd been dreading yet knew was coming at any moment. My grand-uncle (I was corrected this weekend since he's my mom's dad's brother) peacefully passed away on Thursday morning. I wrapped up my work, headed to my apartment, packed, and headed home picking Emily up in Charlotte on the way. Friday was the visitation and it is amazing how many people he touched during his 84 years with us. The visitation was a constant stream of family, friends, acquaintences, church members, and other people I didn't even know for over two hours. Saturday morning I served as one of the pall bearers along with close family friends and we led the family procession into the packed church. I'd say there were at least 150 people there and maybe more. It was easy to feel the love for Uncle Bob and the family. After the service and the internment, my cousin Bobby hosted a catered lunch at his house for the family and friends and there were probably 75 people there celebrating life and enjoying each other's company.

While it was a sad occassion, I realized how much community means. It was an overwhelming feeling knowing that everyone around you loves you in some way. Small town life has some drawbacks, but they surely were outweighed this weekend. I don't know if I'd like to live in Carrollton right now, but I miss having the family and friends nearby. It's trite, but live in the moment and enjoy your life and those around you.

ROBERT L. STEWART SR.

Mr. Robert Long “Bob” Stewart Sr., age 83, of South Street, Carrollton, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Thursday morning September 20, 2007.

Mr. Stewart was born in Jasper, Alabama, on April 20, 1924, at the home of his beloved grandparents “Mr. Bob” and Pearl Long. Raised in Carrollton, Bob spent many summers in Jasper with his friends and family and most loved cousin Marion Gallacher Crew.

Having attended Carrollton City Schools, Bob graduated Carrollton High School and then attended the University of Alabama, majoring in business administration and joining Sigma Chi social fraternity. Volunteering for service in World War II, Bob joined the Army and served in the Philippines, New Guinea, and the occupational forces in Japan. After Bob was discharged honorably, he remained faithful to the American military, the army, and his country.

Bob was raised on South Street by his parents, Charles Horace and Lucile Long Stewart, along with his younger brother, Charles Horace Stewart, Jr. all of whom preceded him in death. After returning home from the war and school, Bob met and married the love of his life, Jean Penfield whom preceded him in death in 2002.

Jean and Bob have three children and six grandchildren, (Bobby) Robert L. Jr., Gloria Smith Stewart and Amanda, (Jimmy) James Penfield, Cathy Miles Stewart and Andi Stewart and Shane Miles all of Carrollton, Jane Stewart and Ryan Reynolds, Robyn, Russ, and Garrett Reynolds of Lilburn. Bob is also survived by two nieces, Susan S. and Joe Miller of Atlanta and Barbara Stewart Oxford, mother of Brian Stewart Oxford and Emily Catherine Oxford, his grand-nephew and niece.

Bob Stewart was a loyal soldier, father, friend, and scout, living the creed and motto his entire life and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Bob served as a scout leader after the war and became an organizer of the Carroll County Rescue Squad. Bob was President of City Supply Company, founder and owner of Stewart Sales Company, and retired from Stewart Advertising Company two years ago. He was a lifelong member of the Carrollton Presbyterian Church.

Our family will be forever indebted to the “Stewart House Crew” not just for the professional care given, but for the genuine love, patience, and Christian attitude of the wonderful people working and living in Bob’s parents old home place. We also recognize the compassion and care given by Tanner Hospice to Bob and his family.

Funeral services will be Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 11 a.m. at the Carrollton Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jan Tolbert officiating.

Pallbearers will be Brian Oxford, Phil Carter, Bobby McMillian, Joe Miller, Marshal Myers, and Wade Pearson. Honorary pallbearers will be the Elders of Carrollton Presbyterian Church, Boy Scout Troop #179, C. W. Cunningham, Ed Aycock, Lamar Knight, Buddy Pope, Nat Shackleford, Eugene Lambert, and Fred Baughn.

The family will receive friends at Almon Funeral Home Friday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Carrollton Presbyterian Church, 14 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30117 or Hospice Care P. O. Box 1136, Carrollton, GA 30112.

Messages of condolences may be sent to the family at www.almonfuneralhome.com.

Interment will be in the Carrollton City Cemetery with American Legion Post # 143 folding and presenting the flag.

Almon Funeral Home, Carrollton.

Most of the Stewart side of the family last Thanksgiving