William Clark Stewart

William Clark Stewart of Memphis, TN, passed away on May 6, 2024. He was born November 11, 1934 in Hattiesburg, MS, and grew up in Laurel, MS.

He is preceded in death by his parents, A.Z. & Evanell Stewart; his siblings, Harry Stewart, Thelma Brown, and Lewis Stewart; and 2 infant daughters, Jennifer Lea Stewart and Perrie Leigh Stewart.

He is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Virginia Sullivan Stewart; his sons, William C. Stewart, Jr. (Suzanne) of Memphis, TN and Joseph E. Stewart of Chattanooga, TN; his grandchildren, Kathryn Davis (Scott), Ashley Wilkinson (Dave), Rachel Welter (T.J.), Joe Stewart, Anna Stewart, Hannah Amorelli (Julian), Jennifer Stewart and 6 great grandchildren.

After graduating high school, he served in the U.S. Navy. After his service, he attended Mississippi State University earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Industrial Engineering. He worked the majority of his career for ExxonMobil Corporation, retiring in 1986 as Engineering Services Manager. He then consulted for many years for various companies in the oil services sector.

Bill was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was most proud of his wife, Virginia. His greatest joys in life centered around his family. These included numerous beach trips, mountain vacations and Christmas gatherings. He loved watching SEC college football on his screen porch. He was a lifelong golfer and had the opportunity of playing many famous courses including Cypress Point, Pebble Beach and Winged Foot.

Bill and Virginia enjoyed traveling and experiencing local cultures around the world, most notably Italy, France, Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Canada and Israel. Back home, the mountains of Colorado and the shores of Destin, Florida were their favorites.

He was a faithful member of Independent Presbyterian Church and enjoyed "making a joyful noise" in the church choir. His faith was undoubtedly his most defining characteristic. He relocated over ten times with his job and with each move, finding a local, Bible teaching church was a priority. He participated in mission trips, from the Navajo Indian reservation in Arizona to the northeastern coast of Ireland. He lived a life of discipline and made it his ambition to lead a quiet life, attending to his own business, working with his hands...so that his daily life would win the respect of outsiders and that he would not be dependent on anyone. (I Thessalonians 4:11-12)

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, in the chapel of Independent Presbyterian Church located at 4738 Walnut Grove Road in Memphis, TN. The visitation will be at 1:00 pm and the service will follow at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the choir at Independent Presbyterian Church. The family would also like to express their sincerest gratitude to Reverend Ford Williams for his concern, encouragement and the many visits to Bill, Virginia and the family.