Rev. Richard Earl Stewart

Service

Sunday, December 21, 2025Family Visitation: 2:00 P.M.Omega Service: 2:30 P.M.Funeral Service: 3:00 P.M.Held atClark Memorial U.M. Church1014 14th Avenue NorthNashville, Tennessee
IntermentTuesday, December 23, 202510:00 A.M.Middle TN State Veterans Cemetery7931 McCroy LaneNashville, Tennessee

Rev. Richard Earl Stewart was born on September 23, 1932, just days after a tornado blew through the tiny town of Angleton, Texas. He was the 7th child and 2nd son of 3 born to Malinda Bradshaw Stewart, and her husband, the Reverend Timothy Marshall Stewart.

As a young lad, Rev. Stewart was called “Dickie.” Considered a genius, he skipped several grades while attending the one-room, K-12 school at Ward’s Chapel – the church his father built for the community. Classes simultaneously took place for all grades, and Dickie was able to quickly learn his subjects and the others just by paying attention to all of the teachers. Dickie graduated from Angleton High School at the age of 16; and now, known as Richard, he made his way to Wiley College in Marshall, Texas where he pledged Omega Psi Phi, graduated with a degree in English and then served as the Dean of Students upon graduation.

Richard had always felt God’s calling on his life. He wanted to be a preacher just like his Papa. But he stuttered terribly and could hardly speak. People often thought he was mute. It was his mother who encouraged him to keep preparing and “when God is ready, he will make your words clear.”

The “discipline of preparing” led Richard to Southern Methodist University, a school he always dreamed of matriculating. Reeking of innocence bathed in determination, he made his way to campus thinking that he would simply walk up to the admissions office, enroll and begin his studies at Perkins School of Theology. He was quickly turned away after being advised that he needed a significant amount of money - of which he had none - to attend SMU. Undeterred, he enlisted in the Air Force and served approximately four years earning enough money to enroll and graduate from Perkins in 1960. He started a legacy of generations graduating from SMU as his daughter, and two granddaughters also attained SMU degrees.

The Reverend Mr. Richard E. Stewart was ordained in the United Methodist Church in 1958. This Vietnam-Veteran continued serving his country as chaplain in the United States Army until he reached the rank of Lt. Col and retired in 1979.

On October 9, 1966, God blessed Rev. Stewart with the opportunity to marry the love of his life, Jeanette Laurene Anderson. During this 59-year union, Richard and Jeanette were blessed with three children, two sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law, seven grandchildren, and a great grandchild. Each reflecting and representing the love and joy of Richard and Jeanette.

With Jeanette by his side, the list of accomplishments attributed to Rev. Stewart could fill The John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library of Fisk University where he served as Dean of Chaplains and fulfilled his philanthropic pursuits by donating his entire salary back to Fisk. This was not easy as he had two children in College and could have really used the money. But, again, Richard knew the “discipline of preparing” and believed that giving through God’s love would only grow blessings for everyone. Richard and Jeanette have a history of donating to educational institutions including SMU, Wiley College, Meharry Medical College, Africa University, Bellevue Middle School and more.

In 93 years on Earth, Rev. Stewart intentionally and unintentionally touched an infinite number of lives – knowingly spreading the love of Jesus Christ with a kind smile; a welcoming “hello” to any and everyone who crossed his path; wise counsel for those seeking solace; a dollar bill for those in need; the last bite of his favorite pie for those who were hungry; a gigantic heart filled with fatherly love for his favorite nieces and nephews; a fight for justice during the civil rights movement; a willingness to recruit, embrace and prepare active duty military chaplains for combat during his tenure at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry; a determination to lead the ACPE (Association for Clinical Pastoral Education); a desire to be an active member of BMCR (Black Methodists for Church Renewal); a knack for inspiring fundraising for UMC Colleges and Universities world-wide; a passion for serving as Interim Pastor for Clark Memorial UMC; compassion and empathy to mentor young black clergy providing counsel and leading by example; a passion for singing and worshiping through song; a talent for writing, playwrighting, satirizing, painting, doodling and telling jokes; a bodacious loud cheer for the Dallas Cowboys and a little something for the Titans; prayers for all; the capacity to serve as spiritual leader and guide for many; and an unwavering commitment to humbly serve.

Rev. Stewart embodied and lived the Holy Spirit of Christ until his last breath which was taken, in faith and trust in God on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind to briefly mourn his beloved wife, Jeanette, his children, Janet Caldwell, Richard (Kim), Laiandrea Woods (Kevin), son-in-law, Thomas Caldwell; grandchildren: Grace and Sparrow Caldwell; Lailah, Sophia and Richie Stewart; Laiandrea and Cole Phillips; and great granddaughter: Olivia Reign; and his sister, Mrs. Ernestine Stewart Mitchell.

All children, grandchildren and great grandchild were baptized by “Papa” and as such through his “discipline of preparing” have been lovingly counseled to mourn for only a moment. And then, knowing the truth of the resurrection they must move on to continue upholding the Two Great Commandments: First, Love God With All Your Heart and All Your Mind and All Your Soul; and Second, Love Thy Neighbor As You Love Yourself.

Rejoice in the Lord, Always, Again I Say Rejoice!