David L. Stewart

NEWTON – David Lee Stewart of Catawba County died December 10, 2010 of multiple myeloma at the Palliative CareCenter and Hospice of Catawba Valley. He was born December 24, 1935, to the late Alvin and Gladys Stewart of Balls Creek. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sybil Baird Stewart, three children and seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild: Stanly and Cynthia Stewart of Catawba with their children Whitney, and Adam and wife Rebecca with their daughter Lilly-Ann; Felicia and Bill Hoyle of Clemmons with their children Jacob and Sarah; Shannon and David Hall of Mebane with their children Jonathan, Chloe and Caroline. He is also survived by his brother Ernest Stewart of Terrell and sister Mabel Sechrist of Winston-Salem along with their spouses, children and grandchildren as well as a large extended family. Never without a song, he was a gentle man and a gentleman, always singing and laughing. With a strong love for God and his family, he lived a joyful life, sharing that joy with everyone he met. He loved spending time with his family on the lake and at the beach. After retirement in 2003, he was happy to spend many days riding a tractor, working on the family farm with his son and grandson. He loved his family and showed love to them in countless ways. Following his example, they learned to show that same kind of love. A past president of Hanes Converting Company, originally Bunch-Kelly Company, he was instrumental in its development from a two-man operation to an international organization of more than 500 employees. He worked to design and develop the first slitting machine for Bunch-Kelly Company as well as flame-retardant materials to be used in upholstery fabric- innovations for the furniture upholstery trade. In 1986, he received an industry service award from the Upholstered Furniture Action Council (UFAC), a national organization to reduce upholstered furniture flammability. Treating employees and customers with respect and love, he was likewise loved and respected. He developed lasting friendships with people throughout the United States, friendships he maintained even after retirement. He served his county as a Catawba County Commissioner for 16 years, 12 years as Vice Chairman. While a County Commissioner, his primary goal was to do what was best for the county, regardless of who received credit. He also served on the Catawba County Mental Health Board, the Catawba Valley Hospital Board, the Adult Life Program of Catawba County and the Council on Aging and many other boards and organizations at both the county and state levels. He was appointed to the State Mental Health Study Commission and received the NC State Community Programs leadership award in 1988. He was a member of the Balls Creek Lions Club and the Catawba Valley Rotary Club being named "Man of the Year." In September of this year he was inducted into the inaugural class of the Catawba County Republican Party Hall of Fame, in recognition of his contributions to his party, county and community. A man of strong Christian faith, demonstrated in word and deed, he was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, Newton, where he was a deacon. He was always active in church life, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, serving on numerous committees, and working with youth groups through the years. After a first date traveling to Mills Home in Thomasville, he and his wife Sybil shared a lifelong love of and ministry with Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina. Burial was held at Southside Cemetery, Newton, on Saturday, December 11, 2010. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Newton, at 6 p.m. on Monday, December 20, followed by a reception. Rev. Brant Hoots, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, will officiate. Memorials may be given to Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina, P. O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27360. Visit www.burkemortuary.com to register your condolences. Burke Mortuary in Maiden is serving the Stewart Family.