Billy Ray Stewart

It is with deep sorrow and enduring love that we share the passing of Billy Ray “Bill” Stewart, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to all that knew him. Bill passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. He was 87 years old. Bill was born in Mount Airy on May 24, 1938, to the late Claren “Arvie” and Grace Carter Stewart and was one of seven children.

Bill graduated from White Plains High School, class of 1956, and entered the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Bill proudly served our country for 20 years and retired as Senior Master Sergeant. After completing his military service, Bill began additional careers with Roadway Express for 20 years and then North Carolina Employment Security Commission as Veterans Service Representative. Bill was a member of the local VFW Honor Guard. Although Bill was committed to military service and had a strong work ethic, he was the steady and loving heart of the family and cherished each one.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Ann B. Stewart; a daughter, Gina Messere and her husband, Mark, of Apex; a dearly loved granddaughter, Caleigh Messere of Apex; a brother, Kenneth “Kent” Stewart of Florida; a sister, Sharron Donnahoe of Waynesville; his nephews, Curtis Badgett (wife Jennifer and daughters Reagan and Renae), Mason Donnahoe, Mike Johnson and family, along with other nephews and nieces; a special sister-in-law, Christine Badgett; and a cousin, Randall Carter.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by twin brothers and a sister-in-law, Larry Gene “Bud” and Virginia Stewart and Garry Dean Stewart; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Glenda Gay and Howard Hunter and Carol “Cookie” and Eddie Johnson; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wesley and Aileen Badgett; and a special brother-in-law, John Badgett.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the love, care, and compassion shown by the staff at Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care and the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with Paul Danley officiating. Inurnment will be held immediately following at Oakdale Cemetery, with military honors by the VFW Memorial Guard. No formal visitation will be held.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017; or the Claude E. Hooker VFW Post 2019 of Mount Airy, c/o Harlan Hawks, 285 Pine Ridge Trail, Pinnacle, NC 27043.

“Gone from sight, but never from memories.”