David Leroy Stewart

David Leroy Stewart went to sleep on this earth and woke up in the arms of Jesus on the morning of Monday, August 4, 2025, at the Woltz Hospice Home, after a courageous battle with liver cancer. He was 68 years old.

Born on January 18, 1957, to the late Alexander Leroy “A.L.” Stewart and Mary Lou Hill Stewart, David was a man whose love, faith, and service left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

David loved with his whole heart and was deeply loved in return. His unwavering faith in God was the foundation of his life. Just last week, when asked who his greatest support was, he answered without hesitation: “God.” He lived that testimony every day. A lifelong member of Hill’s Grove Baptist Church in Pilot Mountain, David served faithfully in many roles, including Deacon, Sunday School Director, Assistant Sunday School Teacher, and more. He was known as “the man to go to” — always ready to lend a hand or solve a problem. Even after his diagnosis in January, when he could no longer attend in person, he remained devoted, watching every Sunday service via livestream.

David graduated with honors from East Surry High School in 1975. He began his working life at Airweld in Winston-Salem, later spending many years at Armtex in both Gastonia and Pilot Mountain until the plant’s closing. He then worked at Kaba Ilco until his retirement in 2018 due to health issues.

Outside of work and church, David had a passion for the simple joys in life. He loved fishing — no one could catch, clean, cook, or enjoy a fish quite like him. He also had a special love for tractors. Whether riding around the farm or tilling his garden, David found peace in working the land. His gardens were always abundant, and he was generous in sharing the fruits of his labor with friends, family, and neighbors.

David is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Teri Lynn Creasy Stewart; his stepchildren, Harry Warren “Skeeter” Irick (Kirsten) of North Carolina and Wendy Lynn Irick of Nevada; grandchildren, Haleigh Drolapas (Dimitris) of California, Matthew Andel of Washington, Sydney Lynn Andel of Nevada, and Daniel Irick of North Carolina; his brother, Roger Dale Stewart (Tina) of Pilot Mountain; nephew, Jeffrey Stewart (Molly); three great-grandchildren; his precious fur-babies, Rebel and Button, and his beloved church family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as several aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be held at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy, NC, on Thursday, August 7, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will take place at Hill’s Grove Baptist Church on Friday, August 8, at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Caleb Thomas and Rev. Darius “D.C.” Collins officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hill’s Grove Baptist Church, Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home, The Gideons, Surry Animal Rescue, or the charity of your choice in David’s memory. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Moody Funeral Service of Mount Airy.