William Leon Stewart, age 87, passed away May 24, 2026, at Twin Oaks Nursing Home after an extended illness. He was a native of Bacon County born on July 13, 1938, to the late William Clifford Stewart and Minnie Gertrude Sapp Stewart. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Carol Jean Meeks Stewart, his son, Jeffrey Stewart and his sisters, Winifred Taylor, Annette Bennett, and Wilma Grayson; nephews, Gary Taylor and Steve Grayson.

He served in the National Guard. He retired from CSX Railroad after many years of service.

He is survived by his daughter, Sharon Eckard (Nico) and daughter of his heart Catherine Chaney (Travis); grandchildren, Robert Wilson (Helen), Shelby McTyre, Heille-Marie van Wyk (Jacques), Nicolene Eckard, Jon Howard, Chandler Stewart, Logan Stewart, Taylor Ramsey, and Whitley Chaney; great-grandchildren, Nolan Priddy, Christopher Wilson, Nathan Wilson, Natalie Wilson, Phoebe Wilson, Marline’ van Wyk, and Janique Van Wyk; nieces and nephews, Wayne Bennett, Pam Walker, Tim Bennett, Tony Bennett, Larry Taylor, Robert Taylor Peggy Peacock, Diane Crews, and Greg Grayson; several cousins also survive.