Dr. John Edward Stewart
Dr. John Edward Stewart, 81, passed away on September 9, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. A devoted scholar and respected psychologist, he dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and service to others through his work in psychological research and education.
Born on February 10, 1944, in Tampa, Florida, John was the only son of Herman Crawford Stewart and Virginia Gravely Stewart. From an early age, John exhibited a deep curiosity about the world around him, especially related to aviation, a trait that would define his professional and personal life.
John earned his AB in Psychology from the University of North Carolina in 1966 and has been a proud alumnus often seen wearing his UNC cap. He went on to complete his Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Georgia in 1973 and later became a Board-Certified Psychologist, marking a significant milestone in a career characterized by intellectual rigor and dedication.
After serving in several research capacities with the U.S. Army in Arlington, VA, John was transferred to Fort Rucker, where he retired as a Senior Research Psychologist and Team Leader for the U.S. Army Research Institute with GS-13/14 designation. In this role, John led groundbreaking research programs evaluating the effectiveness of simulation and virtual environment training on the acquisition and maintenance of individual and collective aviator skills. His work contributed significantly to advancing training methodologies within military aviation.
John also served as a consultant, further extending his impact within the field of aviation psychology. Over the span of his career, he authored numerous research papers for the U.S. Army, leaving behind a legacy of contributions that continue to inform military training.
Though not formally commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army, John held a deep respect for the organization and took great pride in serving alongside those who protect our country. He considered himself part of that dedicated team and was honored to contribute through his civilian service.
In addition to his research career, John shared his knowledge as a lecturer in psychology at Troy University. His passion for teaching reflected his lifelong commitment to learning, which was important to him throughout his life.
Outside of his professional achievements, John’s interests reflected his inquisitive nature. He was fascinated by all things related to aviation and had a keen interest in genealogy. Reading Consumer Reports cover to cover was also a favorite pastime and he always enjoyed the challenge of a word puzzle.
John’s life was guided by an unrelenting pursuit of knowledge, a quality that can be summed up by a quote from Abigail Adams: “Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and diligence”. Those who knew him recognized this ardor in every aspect of his life.
He is remembered with affection by cousins Susan Piazza (Richard), Kitsie Tomko, Phillip Gravely (Judy), Jeff Gravely (Kim), Peter Gravely (Virginia), and Allan Gravely (Dottie), his interior designer and friend, Beth Hemby, research fellow and friend, Kimbra Roberts, and caregiver Roney Goods.
In lieu of a memorial service, the family asks that friends and colleagues eulogize John by signing the guestbook at www.gloverfuneral.com. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to Wiregrass Area Foodbank, 382 Twitchell Road, Dothan, AL 36303, or House of Ruth, P.O. Box 968, Dothan, AL 36302.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
