McSwain-Evans Funeral Home

Newberry, SC

Ben P. Stewart PDF Print E-mail

Ben Pressley Stewart, Sr., 90, of Newberry, died Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at Providence Hospital.

He was born on January 27, 1922, to Ben Price Stewart and Sallie Emma Boozer Stewart. After graduating from Chappells High School in 1939, Ben served in the US Navy during WWII form 1942-1945 and saw action in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. He received the Bronze Star, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, and the American Campaign Medal. Upon returning from the war, he married Gaynelle (Nelle) Harmon in 1946 and began working for Purcells in 1947. In 2009, Ben retired from Purcells as Vice President. He enjoyed being a deacon at Aveleigh Presbyterian Church, gardening year-round, and visiting his family in the “country.”

Ben P. Stewart, Sr., is survived by his three children: Ben P. Stewart, Jr., (wife, Judi), Gay S. Durham (husband, Dwight), and Joy S. Whisenant (husband, Michael); and his grandchildren: Allen Edmundson, Holiday Durham, Mack Durham, Carolyn Durham, Avery Whisenant, Sarah Whisenant, Hannah Whisenant, and Idah Whisenant; and sisters, Blanche Stewart and Audrey Coleman.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, March 3, 2012, at Aveleigh Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Dr. Mitchell VanMetre. Burial will follow in Rosemont Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 1:00 – 2:45 p.m., at McSwain-Evans Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Aveleigh Presbyterian Church, 1211 Calhoun Street, Newberry, SC 29108.

Pallbearers will be Trent Purcell, Bill Riley, Russell Shealy, Jim Dominick, Allen Edmundson, Mack Durham, Avery Whisenant, and Sam Boozer.

Honorary pallbearers will be Aveleigh Presbyterian Church Elders, Donnie Stewart, Vada Suber, Charles Hatch, Gary Harmon, David Long, David Livingston, Johnny Buice, Monty Smith, Mickey Hampshire, and Willie Marvin Trapp.

A memorial message may be written to the family by clicking the "Add Comment" link below.
 

Comments  

 
#10 Wayne & Dolly Blount 2012-03-01 20:41
Ben, We are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. This is never an easy thing to go through. Our thought's and prayers will be with you and your family.

Wayne and Dolly (Spicer) Blount
 
 
#9 Eddie Malcom 2012-03-01 09:45
Sorry to hear about Mr. Ben. Always liked him just like everbody else did. I have you in my prayers.
 
 
#8 Debbie Epling 2012-03-01 05:42
Ben and Judi
I was looking at the paper and saw about Mr. Stewart. Please now how sorry I am for your loss. I am sorry I am so far away and cannot be there for you. I know you recently celebrated his birthday, and I know how much he enjoyed it. I love you guys so much, I will call you soon, and wish I could be there with you. Take care, and Billy and I are praying for you and the rest of the family.
Love Debbie
 
 
#7 reva moates 2012-02-29 19:55
I was sad to hear about Mr. Ben. I always enjoyed his coming the drug store. we will miss him. Look to the Lord He will give you all comfort. Reva
 
 
#6 Chuck Ward 2012-02-29 19:53
Mr. Stewart was one of the nicest gentleman I ever met. Right up there with the man that hired him, Mr. Keitt Purcell. Mr. Stewart treated me like I had lived in Newberry all my life after meeting him at church, and was always like "A neighbor" to me when seeing him around town. He had some great war stories, if you could get him to talk about that. One of Newberry's finest has gone home to be with loved ones and friends. PTL!!!

Chuck in Hue, Vietnam
 
 
#5 Debbie P. Turner 2012-02-29 12:41
My 'Mister Ben' - what a wonderful man and such a good influence on my life! I grew up next door to Mr. Ben, Miss Nelle, Joy, Gay, & Benjy. What wonderful memories of a loving family. I am sad for his children, but I am celebrating that Mr. Ben and Miss Nelle are now back in each others arms! I will miss seeing him, but will never forget him.
 
 
#4 Sherrie Fulmer 2012-02-29 10:57
I extend my deepest sympathies to you on the death of Mr. Stewart. After working with him at Purcells for nearly 20 years, I know that he was a very special man. He will be missed by many. May God grant you comfort at this difficult time. Sherrie and Odell Fulmer
 
 
#3 Christy Bouknight 2012-02-29 09:51
I am sorry to hear about Mr. Stewart's death. He was a wonderful person to work with at Purcells. My thoughts and prayers are with is family.
 
 
#2 Timothy Hunter 2012-02-29 09:11
Mr. Ben P. Stewart was a wonderful man. As a man, I wish the world could have had the opportunity to have met Mr. Stewart. He was a great role model and neighbor for me. Thanks for all that you have done for my family. We will surely miss you. God bless you and your family. Sincerely, The Hunter Family (Timothy, Nikki, and Alia)
 
 
#1 Joey Kitchen 2012-02-29 06:57
Mr. Ben was a true gentleman who I have had the pleasure to meet as a teenager borrowing money from Purcells.He always was so nice and asked about my family.I will miss Mr. Ben. Sincerely Joey Kitchen
 
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