Mr. Joseph Dewitt

Mr. Joseph Dewitt ("J.D.") Stewart, age 81 of Stuart passed away on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at his home. He was born on June 15, 1929 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to the late Joseph Edward Stewart and Mary Fisher Stewart. In addition to his parents, Mr. Stewart was preceded in death by one brother, Raymond Stewart. After completing high school, he joined the United States Navy. His first tour of duty was on the U.S.S. Thuban, AK-19 as a radio operator. He spent several tours of duty in the fleet anti-air warfare center at Dam Neck, VA. As he continued to rise in rank, he completed multiple training schools with emphasis in electronics and computers. He received his Associates degree in electronics from William and Mary. While serving in the Korean War, he received both the Bronze Star and Silver Star medals. During his 22 years in the Navy he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal 6 times, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Occupation Service Medal "European Clasp", the United Nations Medal and the Korean Service Medal. After he retired as a Master Chief Data Systems Technician from the Navy in 1969, he relocated to Stuart, VA where he began his second career with Westinghouse and retired as a Sr. Electronics Engineer in 1982. He loved reading, woodworking and his farm, but most of all he loved his wife and family. He was a member of the Pleasant View Baptist Church for 41 years where he served as Treasurer, Secretary and taught Sunday school.

Mr. Stewart is survived by his wife of 57 years, Velma Carter Stewart of the home; five children, Joseph D. Stewart and wife Louise of Naples, Florida, Edward B. Stewart and wife Brenda of Jefferson, Missouri, Mary Stewart Nardone and husband Steve Atlanta, Georgia, Janice Stewart Roach and husband Thomas of Augusta, Georgia, and Richard S. Stewart and wife Tami of The Woodlands, Texas; 13 grandchildren; and two sisters, Dorothy Stewart Coe and Rebecca Stewart Beaman, both of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Funeral services for Mr. Stewart will be held on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 1:00pm at Pleasant View Baptist Church with Rev. Rick Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites by the Patrick County Veteran Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friend Monday evening from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pleasant View Baptist Church Building Fund, 4432 Pleasant View Drive, Patrick Springs, VA 24133. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

Funeral Tuesday at 1:00 pm at Pleasant View Baptist Church
Burial in church cemetery
Visitation Monday evening from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart