William Grady Stewart

William Grady Stewart, age 97 of Spartanburg, SC is now with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after graduating to heaven on May 9, 2024.  Born November 2,1926 in Simpsonville SC, he was the son of Walter Grady Stewart and Azile Bozeman Stewart. He was married to the love of his life, Sybil Stewart, for 68 years and is reunited with her in heaven.

Grady moved to Spartanburg at the age of five. He was a 1944 graduate of Spartanburg High School where he was co-captain of the varsity basketball team. His coach Red Dobson greatly influenced his life. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout. As an alumnus of Spartanburg High School, he was co-founder of the Booster Club and Class of 1944 Scholarship Fund.

He attended Clemson College prior to being drafted to serve in World War II. He served in the US Navy in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. After being discharged, he entered Wofford College where he played Varsity basketball graduating in 1950.As an alumnus, he served the college as a member of the National Alumni Board of Directors, as President of the Spartanburg County Alumni Association, as Secretary -Treasurer of the Wofford Eleven Club, as Co-Chairman of the Wofford Terrier Club Drive, and as a member of the Terrier Club Board of Directors. In 2006, he was presented the Distinguished Service Award by the Wofford Terrier Club.

He was an insurance agent for over 51 years, beginning his career with Ward and Covington in 1949. He later became a partner with KS Covington in Covington and Stewart and served as President of CWS Insurance.

Grady was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Spartanburg. He was committed to the youth and music programs of the church. He coached the boys’ basketball team, taught 8th grade Sunday School for 55 years, and was a member of the choir for over 60 years. In 2005, he was presented the Heart of a Servant Award for lifelong service to the Youth Ministry.

Grady joined the Spartanburg Lions Club in 1953 and was a member for over 55 years. He was awarded the Lions Presidential award for lifetime service in 2022. He was also active in civic affairs serving on the Board of Directors of the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and the Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce. Also, he and his wife Sybil, were instrumental in starting Young Life Spartanburg and served as a member of the City Parks and Recreation Commission.

He loved his family, his church, his country, Wofford College and Spartanburg High School.  Grady Stewart, also known as “granddaddy”, was a loving and very generous parent, grandparent and great-grandparent who loved the Lord and always put his family first.  He and Sybil took all the family on the Annual Beach trip for over 42 years!  It was a special time that they always looked forward to and encouraged his family to continue beach trips for years to come.  They were avid supporters of all the grandchildren with their sports and activities and encouraged them to be the best they could be and to love Jesus!

Survivors include his children Dr. William David Stewart (Patti) of Spartanburg and Fair Stewart Brocard (John) of Marietta, Georgia. His grandchildren brought so much love and happiness in his life. They are Kristen Stewart Turner (Sam) of Winston -Salem, NC, Creighton Stewart Hartanov (Justin) of Chicago, Illinois, Dr. William Bozeman Stewart (Amanda) of Spartanburg, Ashley Brocard Pearson (Steven) of Westlake, Florida, John Stewart Brocard (Gretchen) of Marietta, Georgia and James Grady Brocard (Elizabeth) of Marietta, Georgia. He has 11 great grandchildren. His prayer life supported all his family throughout their life journeys.

The family would like to thank the staff at Eden Terrace of Spartanburg for their loving care over the past 5 years.

A celebration of life service will be Saturday May 18^th at 11am in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church Spartanburg. Visitation with the family will follow immediately in the church dining hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Mobile Meals of Spartanburg, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304.