John Leland Stewart, 94, husband of Annie Lou "Anne" Hill Stewart, died Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, in Sumter.
Born in 1920 in Westminster, he was a son of A.B. and Mary Sam Messer Stewart. He was a veteran of World War II, serving proudly in the U.S. Army Air Corps in England. After the war he graduated from the University of South Carolina and became a dedicated Gamecock who cheered for his team through the losing seasons as well as the winning ones. He worked for Federated INsurance Company for 35 years, until retiring to Summerton, where he could enjoy his favorite pastimes: hunting, fishing in Lake Marion, watching the wildlife and being with his family members, who loved being with him. He was a member of Manning United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Emma Buford Colclough; and his oldest son, John Leland Stewart Jr.
Survivors besides his wife Anne include a daughter, Anne Little and her husband, Rob, of Manning; three sons, Ben Stewart and his wife, Sandy, of Florence, Sam Stewart of Summerton and Tom Ste3wart and his wife, Tiffany, of Azle, Texas; five granddaughters, Lisa Little, Stephanie Ladeira, Ericka Woods, Brandi Stewart and Christina Stewart; two grandsons, Blake Stewart and Andrew Stewart; two step-grandchildren, Hailey Bromley and Jake Patch; seven great-grandchildren; several nephews; and several honorary daughters and sons who loved him like a father.
The family is grateful for the care provided by Covenant Place, Amedysis Home Health and Amedysis Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Epworth Children's Home or the Connie Maxwell Children's Home.
Visitation will be held 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday at Belk Funeral Home in Lamar, with a graveside service for John Leland Stewart to follow at Lamar Memorial Cemetery.
A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com
Belk Funeral Home of Darlington is in charge of arrangements.
