Michael Stewart

Michael James Stewart of Pine Mountain, Georgia passed away unexpectedly on July 20, 2024 at the milestone age of 70. Mike was born on January 8, 1954 in Stuttgart, Germany to Wilkie James Stewart and Ingeborg Esther Kuhnle Stewart.
He will always be remembered with much love by his heartbroken wife of 47 years, Jeanine Astrid McCarter Stewart; son Thomas Michael Stewart (Lee); known as Poppy to beloved grandson Brant Matthew Stewart; younger brother Robert Stewart (Penny); sister-in-law Debra Hulvey (Tracy); one niece and two nephews and their families that have blessed him with five great-nephews; and a long list of deeply-saddened aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.
After growing up in a military family and traveling the world, Mike graduated from Kendrick High School in 1972. He went on to study Community Planning and Urban Development at Columbus State University.
Following graduation, he married his devoted wife Jeanine and soon after relocated to start his job as the first Chamber of Commerce Director in Vienna, Georgia. That catapulted him to a lifelong career of public service from local City and County Government to Federal and International service. Somewhere in between, he earned his Master's Degree in Public Administration from Valdosta State University. His service to God, Family, and Country was immeasurable. Mentoring young soldiers and substitute teaching 5th graders were some of his most rewarding moments.
During Mike's downtime, he enjoyed hanging with his amazing grandson in the woods, at the lake, or on the golf course. He was a huge influence on Brant and Brant loves all things Poppy.
Mike's history of volunteering and humanitarian aid is unending. Anyone wishing to make a charitable donation in Mike's memory, his favorite charities are Tunnel to Towers, Pat Tillman Foundation, and Samaritan's Purse.
While Mike chose to forgo a formal funeral service, he has chosen a Celebration of Life planned for a later date. In the meantime, a time of gathering to pay respects to Mike will be held on Saturday, July 27 from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm. Friends may drop in during any of these hours to sign his registry book and pay their respects.
Higgins Funeral Home at Hunter Allen Myhand, 706-884-5626