James Wiley Robert Stewart, known to all as “Buddy”, went to live with the Lord on July 21, 2025, at the age of 80. The name “Buddy” wasn’t just a nickname-it was a perfect reflection of who he was.
Buddy was born on January 22, 1945, in Blakely, Georgia. He was a devoted member of Antioch Baptist Church, and a proud member of the Ashford Masonic Lodge. He never met a stranger and carried the kind of steady humble faith that left an impression on everyone he met. After retiring from Farley Nuclear Plant as a welder, he spent his days where he loved the most- whether in a tree stand, with a fishing pole in hand, or surrounded by his family, who were the greatest joy of his life. Family always came first for him; nothing made him prouder than buying land for everyone to live together on what the family lovingly calls, Stewart Hill.
His life was a testimony of strength, deep love, and the goodness of a man who walked closely with the Lord. He was the kind who would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought, always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need, no matter the time or place. His generosity and compassion touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. God’s grace saved him, and “grace” became his favorite word-a reflection of the transformation he experienced through faith. He often spoke of how God’s mercy shaped his life, and he lived each day as a reflection of that saving grace. Amazing Grace was his favorite song, a fitting anthem for the journey he walked and the redemption he cherished.
Buddy met Margarette Bowen, his childhood sweetheart, in the second grade and together they shared 62 years of marriage blessed by The Lord. Their life was a testimony of faith, devotion, and the quiet steady love that only grows with time.
Buddy is preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie Mae & Jack Stewart; his three brothers and his three sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Margarette Stewart; his children, Rickey Stewart (Teri), Stacy Stewart (Lynn), and Amanda Meadows (Glenn); his grandchildren, Victoria Moore (Trey), Halee Davis (Kevin), Austin Stewart (Megan), Olivia Peterson (Will), Stewart Vann, and Tye Meadows; his great-grandchildren, Sophia Moore, Karlee Grace Davis, Beckett Moore, Walker Davis, Brock Stewart, and Mary Margarette Peterson; and his three sisters.
Committal Services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, July 25, 2025, at Glover Funeral Home with Masonic Rites. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:45 a.m., prior to the service. A private family burial will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, Antioch Baptist Church Building Fund, 3250 S. Rocky Creek Road, Ashford, AL 36312, or Ashford Masonic Lodge, 515 N. Broadway Street, Ashford, AL 36312, both honoring Buddy’s deep commitment to his faith and community.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
