Carl Stewart Jr.

1936 - 2025

Former NC Speaker of the House, lifetime civic leader, and respected attorney, Carl J. Stewart, Jr. passed away on December 23, 2025. He was born October 2, 1936 in Gaston County, NC, the second son of the late Carl Jerome Stewart, Sr. and Hazel Holland Stewart, both faithful employees of Firestone Textiles. As a senior at Gastonia High School (1954), Stewart earned the prestigious Firestone Scholarship awarded to children of company employees, one of only 20 students to do so. He attended Duke University, capturing the Atlantic Coast Conference debating championship and graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1958. Afterward, Stewart attended Duke Law School, serving as president of the Duke Law School student body before graduating in 1961 and beginning a lifelong career as an attorney and public servant in NC and beyond. Mr. Stewart's legal work often intersected with public service. In 1967, he was elected to the NC House of Representatives and served until 1980. While there he made history, becoming the first representative to serve two consecutive terms as Speaker of the House in 1977 and 1979. Stewart held leadership roles on the NC Board of Transportation, NC Economic Development Board, and NC Board of Technology, influencing key decision-making to support the state's economic growth and educational improvements. Stewart was appointed Chairman of the NC Ports Authority by both Governors Easley and Perdue (2004-2016). He most recently served on the State Ethics Commission and was a recipient of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award. His legacy lives on in the infrastructure and educational access he helped build, especially at Gaston College. For six decades, Stewart served the community college, first as a business law instructor and then as legal counsel, forming a partnership with college presidents and board members rooted in innovation, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to student success. His role extended far beyond contracts and compliance-he was a guardian of institutional ethics, a quiet architect of policy, and a trusted advisor during times of change. Earlier this year, the second floor of the college library was dedicated in his honor as the Carl J. Stewart, Jr. Learning Center. Aside from his professional accomplishments, Carl especially loved being a father, grandfather and great grandfather. You could always catch him for breakfast at the local Medical Center Pharmacy or hear him bragging about the bounty of his garden. He was a voracious reader, poring over volumes of literature and compiling an impressive personal library. He took great pride in supporting his community as a public servant, civic leader, and champion of Gaston County and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and constituents. Mr. Stewart is survived by his children Lisa Stewart (Polly) of Banner Elk, Julie Stewart Bradley (Wes), Rome Stewart, C.J. Stewart, and Robert Stewart (Lori), all of Gastonia; grandchildren Jessica Cato (Scott), Cale Bradley (Allison), Banks Bradley (Chelsea), Annie Laurie Hendren (Tristin), Alex Stewart, and Makayla Stewart; and great-grandchildren SaraKate, Katelyn, Grant, Rowe, and Jett. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Bill Stewart, Ruth Rowland, and Betty S. Davis. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Founders Chapel of McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gaston College Foundation. Condolence messages may be sent online at mcleanfuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the Stewart family.