Ernest Clayton Stewart

Ernest Clayton Stewart, age 76, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025, at the VA Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. Born February 2, 1949, in Gainesville, where he would grow into a man whose life was marked by service, dedication, and all with a spirit of joy.

Ernest exemplified the ideals of duty and honor during his six years of service in the U.S. Army, bravely serving as an air defense artilleryman in Vietnam. His valor in combat earned him the esteemed Purple Heart. Following his military service, he continued to uphold his commitment to his country by serving a decade with the Florida National Guard. As a lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, he embodied patriotism.

After his time in the army, he worked for the Gainesville Cab Company as a mechanic, and later as a gas delivery driver for AmeriGas. However, it was in truck driving—a career that spanned over three decades—where he truly found his calling. With Liberty Trucking as a local driver and also embarking on long hauls with J.B. Hunt, he traversed the highways, each mile traveled telling stories of his encounters.

Ernest was a man of boundless generosity and love, always putting others before himself. His vivacious personality shone brightly; he had an innate ability to make friends wherever he went. People gravitated toward him, drawn by his joyful demeanor and intelligence that reflected in every conversation. Ernest thoroughly enjoyed reading and was an avid fan of the UCHS Tigers and the Florida Gators, wearing his loyalties proudly. 

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 24 years, Sarah Stewart, whose companionship enriched his life immeasurably. He cherished moments spent with his daughters—Amy (Wayne) Hendricks and Shema Stewart—alongside his eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, as well as friends of his grandchildren he would claim as his own. Ernest is also survived by his four loving sisters, Annette Griffis, Sharon Joines, Diane (John) Robbins, and Judy (Tommy) McCullough.

Ernest is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Elsie Stewart, and his son, Rocky Stewart, alongside his siblings, Henry Stewart, Grace Jenkins, and Laura Davis.

Services to honor Ernest's life will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. A visitation will take place at 10:00am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00am. Immediately following the services he will be laid to rest with military honors at Midway Cemetery. Bro. Brain Reagan to officiate. Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve the Stewart family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com