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Stewart Hamill Harris
Stewart Hamill Harris
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Stewart Harris Obituary
AIKEN, SC - Mr. Stewart Hamill Harris, 74, died recently in his sleep.
He was born on February 13, 1949, in Birmingham, Alabama to Joseph Herbert and Rosa Stewart Harris. He moved to Aiken with his family in 1957 and attended Mead Hall School, Kennedy Jr High School and graduated from Aiken High School in 1967.
Music was always his love and he taught himself to play the guitar at a young age. During his high school years, he performed with friends in The Intruders. After several years at the University of South Carolina, Stewart left school to pursue his music career. Brief stints in Prince Edward Island, New York City, and Washington DC took him, in 1975, to Nashville, where he recorded an album, Sing Me A Rainbow, and focused on writing music. He successfully wrote number 1 hits for several recording artists, including Travis Tritt and Wynonna Judd. In all, Stewart collaborated on nine number-one songs.
Stewart lived in Nashville until 2020 when he returned to Aiken.
He is survived by his sister, Lynne Rachal (Butch) and two nephews, Sean Rachal (Angie) of Aiken and Brian Rachal of Granite Falls, Washington, a great-niece Laura Rachal of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, A great-nephew Timothy Rachal of Whidbey Island, Washington. Stewart was married twice and had two stepchildren by his second wife, Beth Harris.
A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at the Outing Club,142 Outing Club Rd, Aiken, SC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joseph Harris Scholarship Fund at Mead Hall School, 619 Barnwell Ave, NW, Aiken, SC 29801, attn: Diane Goodson.
SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
924 Hayne Ave., Aiken, SC 29801
People and places connected with Stewart
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Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Pamela
July 14, 2023
I will miss you everyday for the rest of my life and be grateful for the wonderful memories we shared Stewart. Interminable memories of love to live in my heart forever.
All,
Pamela
John D. Lindler
June 25, 2023
Starting his enrollment at the University of South Carolina in mid 1960s, Stewart came out for fraternity rush soon after. We were very fortunate to have him commit to our Chi Psi fraternity. He chose me to be his big Brother, so Stewart was designated my little Brother. Growing up, I was the sole brother with four sisters. So getting Stewart as my little lBrother was a huge thrill for me.
From that time on, we were tight and very close.
Examples of things we accomplished, other than college studies:
- taking road trips to our beautiful Carolina mountains, including hiking and sliding down a natural water fall at Stewart´s church camp
-Several trips to Myrtle Beach
-Countless times in late afternoon we would skim rocks on Lake Murray and share stories. Later, Stewart would bring out his guitar and sing until sunrise.
Later, after my graduation from USC, Stewart and I moved in together in West Columbia, across the River from USC. Teaching my first year at Brookland-Cacy High School, I was able to get Stewart to perform a concert to a packed auditorium of high school students. He brought the house down with a picture of him posted in the school annual.
In the early 1970s, we both parted ways with Stewart pursuing what turned out to be a very successful music career and me moving to Florida. Little did we know that both of us wound up in Nashville, Tn. Stewart continued his musical success in mid-1970s in Nashville and my wife and I moved to Nashville in late 1990s
Three years before Stewart moved backed to Akin, I received a call from Stewart, and was at my house within minutes. We talked for hours, which erased 50 plus years of being apart. I thank God that we were brought together, even for a short time.
I know that my little Brother is in a good place and knows clearly the love that we both shared. His beautiful parents, by the Grace of God, are there with him as well.
I know you are aware that I am presenting my CHI PSI fraternity badge back to our fraternity in your honor. It will hopefully be given to a brother in need and proudly be worn to honor a wonderful man.
Stewart, you will always be my "Whipper-will,who sings a lovely song!"
John D Lindler
Maureen Kelly
June 24, 2023
* SING ME A RAINBOW AND WRAP IT IN SUNSHINE *
Today's internet search for some of my old DC 70's haunts brought me to this sad news. How ironic to learn of his passing the day prior to his Celebration of Life. We were born the same year. Back in the day, I was a regular at the Reading Gaol (sp?). Watching Stewart sing made me happy. Veal Piccata and 'Chiclets' for dessert. I wish I could remember some of his other songs that weren't on the album. Sing Me A Rainbow and Welcome to Fat City are the only vinyl's I've hung on to for 50 years! Thank you for the memories, Stewart Harris. Rest In Peace.
Bob "Howdy" Houghton
June 24, 2023
Stewart and I were roommates in Washington. I was in the Navy and worked days and Stewart was performing most nights at the Redding Gaoel. Many days our paths never crossed (perfect roommate). When we did he would cook up a great southern meal. We both left DC about the same time He sang at our wedding 46 years ago. We remained friends but I could have been a better friend the past few years. Great to hear his voice on the sound track in this obituary. We will be at the Celebration on Sunday with a combination of smiles and tears.
Bob "Howdy" and Vivien Houghton
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Wally Smith
June 18, 2023
Stewart and I were Frat Brothers at South Carolina. Partied together. I remember the day he left USC to begin his career in music. He knew. We'd get together when he came to Wash. DC to play the clubs. Just him and his guitar. RIP. Stewart. Wally
Bill Wilkinson
June 11, 2023
I met Stewart when I was writing songs for a children's project, Rainbow Dreams. I knew Stewart before that through his album Sing Me a Rainbow. We collaborated writing songs for about two decades. He was like a brother to me and he was my two children's godfather. Those who have heard his music know of his creative genius. I am one of those people. The only thing that out shone the beauty in his music was the beauty he held within his soul. I am at a loss for words to describe the empty place in my heart once occupied by this wonderful man. Rest in peace my Brother.
Angela Marie Huffman
June 7, 2023
A wonderful talented songwriter he was...so very sorry that he has passed. He was known well by everyone in Nashville, TN in the music business. God rest his restless beautiful soul....we all will meet again....
Michael Black
June 7, 2023
Stewart Harris was an incredibly smart and kind gentleman. He was and is a blessing to many in our music business. I so enjoyed his company and friendship as well as writing with him and singing for him. May you rest in peace dear friend.
Bart Herbison
June 5, 2023
Stewart Harris was not only an AMAZING songwriter, he was a good man. He was a big part of the Nashville Songwriters Association International for many years, contributing to our advocacy work and our events. He also helped teach/give back to younger generations of songwriters that followed him. Condolences to your family and friends. We miss you Stewart.
Eddie Shepard
May 31, 2023
Wow another Intruder 1967 gone to rock and roll heaven. Having Stewart as a close friend for forty plus years was a great blessing, discussions from philosophy, politics, poetry and music.
I am sure he is sitting on the docks at Edisto thinking about the next project. Maggie and I had the privilege of being around Stewart, Mike and Archie in their highlight Nashville days. Stewart was a sought after songwriter, from Harland Howard, Travis Tritt, Waylon Jennings and many others. He had the skills, but he had the heart and soul of a creator of art.
Gonna miss those late night phone calls, intense discussions but most of all Maggie and I will miss his undying love of creating, sharing and intense human soulfulness.
Rock on my friend rock on
Love ya
Eddie and Maggie
deanna bryant
May 31, 2023
Stewart and Mary Jane...had a mutual love affair
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